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General Updates

New Updates

• 

  AFLB TV Live Stream Schedule

  GFNL

  Senior Football

  3/5/25 - St Joseph's vs Bell Park

  A Grade Netball

  3/5/25 - Geelong West vs Newtown & Chilwell

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  BFNL

  Senior Football & A Grade Netball

  3/5/25 - Ocean Grove vs Queenscliff

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  CDFNL

  Senior Football

  3/5/24 - Simpson vs Birregurra

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  VIEW FULL SCHEDULE

  VISIT AFLB TV

  Social Media Posts

• Rising Star Nominations Now Open! 

  AFL Barwon Clubs – Rising Star Nominations Now Open!  

  
  Do you have a rising star lighting up the field or the court? 

  AFL Barwon, in partnership with the Geelong Times, is now calling for club nominations for the Football and Netball Rising Star Award – recognising the brightest young talent in our region. 

   

  This prestigious award celebrates standout players under the age of 21 (as of January 1) from the Bellarine and Geelong Football Netball Leagues and Female Football Competitions, who show exceptional promise and performance on the field or court. 

  Each month, a Rising Star nominee will be featured in the Geelong Times, with all monthly nominees remaining eligible for the overall Rising Star Award, to be presented at the end of the season. Therefore, you only need to submit the application once for the season. 

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  Eligibility Criteria: 

  • Must be under 21 years of age as of January 1 

  • Must have played no more than 10 Senior Football and A Grade games prior to the start of the current season 

  Clubs are invited to submit a nomination that includes a short write-up outlining the player’s achievements and why they deserve recognition. 

  Nominate Here: https://forms.gle/38tcL8rEhRawV41B6 
   

   

Local Scoreboards

• GFNL Scoreboard
• BFNL Scoreboard

Times Footy

• Regional Scores
• Regional Teams

Local Media

• 

  Dom to break Bellarine coaching record

  K Rock Football

  Read More

• 

  Mendaue blow for Demons

  K Rock Football

  Read More

• 

  Rib issue sidelines Joeys star

  K Rock Football

  Read More

• 

  Former Dog’s appearance likely a once off

  K Rock Football

  Read More

• 

  LISTEN - Beyond The Boundary

  K Rock Football

  Listen Now

• 

  GALLERY - Geelong West vs St Albans

  AFL Barwon

  View Now

• 

  GALLERY - Drysdale vs Portarlington

  AFL Barwon

  View Now

Football

Senior Football

• General Reminder

  Reminders to use the following resources

  • AFL Barwon Football match day checklist. 
  • Marsh Pre-match checklist     
  • Team manager's PlayHQ checklist. 
  • Team sheet input to PlayHQ at 7pm on Thursdays. 

  Resources

• Post-Match Process - Senior Team Managers

  Senior Match Day team managers please Note below post-match process:  

  1. Both Team Managers must go to the Umpires’ Rooms after the match to receive the “all clear”. I.e. confirm any reports or video review requests and collect relevant copies of any reports. 
  2. Home Team Manager to collect, footballs and all match day paperwork from the umpires.  
  3. Away Team Manager to provide the home team manager with their best players and goalkickers.  
  4. Home Team Manager to enter Match Results, Best Players, and Goalkickers into PlayHQ 
  5. No change to the post-match day process for match day team managers from 2024.  

• Coaching Requirements

  20. Coaching Requirements - Football

  Refer AFL Vic Country Rules 

  All coaches of AFL Vic Country clubs are required to hold a current Foundation Coaching Accreditation prior to the commencement of the season. The penalty to be imposed by leagues if coaches continue to coach having not obtained the necessary accreditation must be:

  i) a $200 fine (Senior) or $100 fine (Junior) and,

  ii) the loss of match points for the matches won by the team whilst the unaccredited coach continues to coach.

  In the event of no match points being received the league must apply the above fines. Fines are applied once only ($200 or $100) and are not applicable to every match.

  In the instance where coaches are not accredited and commit to completing the relevant requirements within 7 days of receiving a request from AFL Barwon (or as otherwise agreed upon) the following bonds for clubs are to apply $200 (Senior) and $100 (Junior).

  Where a coach fails to complete the relevant accreditation requirements in this timeframe, the bond paid by the club is forfeited and the above penalties will be enforced. 

• 

  Under 18s Competition Reminders

  U18 Colts Clubs that are fixtured as HOME club but are playing at an away venue, its good practice for the team manager to reach out to the home senior club to avoid any inconveniences like rooms not open and goal post not attached.  

  The home U18 Colt club will be responsible for the match day footballs, paperwork, interchange and PlayHQ updates.   

  ---

  23. Under 18s Competitions

  23.1.3 Where a team has the minimum number of players to start a match but not a full team (excluding bench), the team with the numerical advantage must either “loan” players to the opposition or play with an equal number of players on the field unless: 

  • A loan is offered but after evening up numbers there are still excess players in which case the team with the numerical advantage can play with one extra player; or 

  •  The team with the numerical advantage only has one extra player than the opposition inwhich case the team with the numerical advantage can play with that extra player; or 

  •  The team with minimum numbers refuses to accept “loan” players in which case theteam with the numerical advantage can play at full strength. 

  Team Managers and Umpires are required to sign off on player numbers on thecompetition match report prior to the match commencing 

  Example 1: 

  Team A has 23 players - Team B has 16 players 

  1. Team A refuses to loan players: Both Teams play with 16 on the field.

  2.  Team B refuses to accept loaned players: Team A plays with 18 on the field and Team Bplays with 16 on the field 

  3.  A loan is facilitated: Team A & Team B both play with 18 on the field with bench playersallocated on agreement. 

  Example 2: 

  Team A has 21 players - Team B has 14 players 

  1. Team A refuses to loan players: Both Teams play with 14 on the field 
  2. Team B refuses to accept loaned players: Team plays with 18 on the field and Team Bplays with 14 on the field
  3. A loan is facilitated: Team A plays with 18 on the field. Team B plays with 17 on the field. 

Junior Football

Resource Links

• 2025 Junior Footy Match Guide
• Non-Appointed Umpire Match Report
• Non-Competitive - Umpire Match Report
• PlayHQ - Team Manager Matchday Guide
• Local PPS BY LAWS
• E-Scoring via PlayHQ Apps
• On-Field Vests & Apparel (loco)
• Football Order Form

Football Umpiring

Community Umpire Week

From 28 April to 4 May, AFL Barwon is proudly celebrating Community Umpiring Week – an annual initiative that shines a spotlight on the important role umpires play in our game.

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Umpiring provides young people with leadership experience, keeps people active, and connects individuals to the game in a unique and rewarding way. Community Umpiring Week is about growing respect and appreciation for this role while creating a pathway for future umpires from all backgrounds and abilities.

AFL Barwon encourages clubs, players, and supporters to thank their umpires this week – and every week – for their contribution to the game.

If you or someone you know is interested in umpiring, get involved today. Visit aflbarwon.com.au/umpire to learn more or contact the AFL Barwon Umpiring Department directly.

RSVP FORM

Netball

Senior Netball (BFNL & GFNL)

• HIGH IMPORTANCE – Player Payment (Salary Cap) Reporting

  A huge thank you to all clubs who have already submitted their budgets and player contracts.

  To all those who are yet to complete this step, budgets and player contracts (declared and non-declared) were due on April 30th – you are now OVERDUE.

  For any players who are new to the club’s A Grade side from this point forward, you must submit a standard player declaration or non-declared players statement to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with 7 days of the player taking the court.

  ---

  For all player payment and player points documentation, you can find this HERE. 

  If you require support in this space, please see the video linked below, or contact Sophie Allison.  

  Player Payments and Points Webinar

• Consolation Fixtures 

  Due to byes being present in GFNL 17&U Division 2 and 15&U Division 2 competitions, consolation fixtures have been created for the teams that have byes.

  These have been updated in PlayHQ, and are worth competition points. 

  This move has seen teams go from playing as few as 13 games, to 16 in some cases, meaning our players are having more opportunity on court.  

• Seeking Club To Host Development Coaching Course

  AFL Barwon are seeking support from a club within our region to host the practical component of the Development Coaching Course in approximately 6-8 weeks 

  The course runs for approximately 4-5 hours, and requires the use of courts and a meeting space with TV/projector.  

  CHECK LIST: 

  • Organise venue – meeting room (TV and audio-visual equipment required) and netball court (indoor court is preferred). Ensure sufficient seating is available. 

  • Organise and confirm players for practical session. (14 to 18 players) –AFLB can support 

  • Contact Coach Developer prior to workshop day. –AFLB can support 

  • Ensure basic first aid kit is available. 

  • Organise equipment (balls, bibs and cones). 

  • Organise whiteboard & markers 

  • Mark participant attendance on Registration Sheet. Check all required information is completed. 

  • Ensure course material provided by Netball Victoria is distributed at the course. 

  • Forward completed Registration Sheet and any additional manuals to Netball Victoria’s Workforce Department within 7 days after the course using the reply-paid envelope supplied. 

   

  If your club has someone who needs/wants to undertake the course, or you’d just be happy to help out for the day, please contactThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

CDFNL Netball

• 

  CDFNL Data Entry

  • Goals must be entered as goals andattempts – not misses.i.e. Should read 3 goals from 5 attempts – not 3 goals and 2 misses. 
    • Attempts are not required for 15&U and below. 
  • Any player who does not take the court must be removed from the PlayHQ line up – please refer to position tracking sheets for this data. 
  • Player positionsMUST be entered for A Grade matches – not just goalers! 
  • Any player who is handwritten on must be added to the PlayHQ line up (if they took the court) 
    • DO NOT use the ‘fill in player’ button – use ‘club players’ only.
    • If you’re unable to add players to the line-up, you’re welcome to flick us an email as we check paperwork each Mon-Weds. 

• CDFNL Coaching Certificates

  All CDFNL Coaching certificates were required to be submitted by April 30th 2025 to either Sally Montano or Sophie Allison. 

  As this date has now passed, the following will apply. 

  “The penalty to be imposed by the CDFNL Board if coaches continue to coach having not obtained the necessary accreditation must be: 

  i) a $200 fine (Senior) or $100 fine (Junior) and 

  ii) the loss of match points for the matches won by the team whilst the unaccredited coach continues to coach 

  In the event of no match points being received then AFL Barwon must apply the above fines. 

  Fines are applied once only ($200 or $100) and are not applicable to every match. 

• Respectful Conduct on Court  

  From the weekend’s games, we have unfortunately had some feedback that has led to this reminder. 

  It is an expectation that no matter your role, you conduct yourself respectfully when interacting with others. 

  • As coaches, it’s expected that your players, the opposition and umpires are treated with respect. 

  • As umpires, while tone can be used as part of match management – it should be used within the requirements of the game, it should NOT become personal, and should be used in line with other components of match management 

  • As players, the sport should be played with good spirit, and be a good contest but fair. At the end of the game, it is all left on court, and we shake hands and move on. 

  It is disappointing that a reminder of this nature is required, but please take it on board and ensure you are keeping your members accountable, and that they are conducting themselves in a manner in which you want your club represented. 

Junior Netball

• Representative Netball Fixtures – Monday 5th May

  Barwon Junior Netball Championships 

  • Geelong & District FNL vs Geelong FNL @ Oberon High School 

  • • 13U at 5:20pm, 15U at 6:30pm, 17U at 7:40pm. 

  • Bellarine FNL vs Colac & District FNL @ Bluewater Leisure Centre, Colac 

  • • 13U at 5:50pm, 15U at 5:50pm, 17U at 7pm. 

  BJNC Fixture Here 

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  Geelong Central Netball Association 

  • 13&U Geelong FNL vs KIC Kangaroos @ 7pm, Kardinia Park court 4 

  • 13&U Bellarine FNL vs The Randos @ 6:05pm, Kardinia Park court 4 

  • 15&U Geelong FNL vs Foxes @ 7pm, Kardinia Park court 3 

  • 15&U Bellarine FNL vs Southern Star Diamonds @ 7:55pm, Kardinia Park court 5 

  GCNA Fixture Here 

• Midweek Netball Update

  Thank you to everyone for a fantastic first night of Junior Midweek Netball on Tuesday night. It was great to see so many players on court across the three venues! 

  Just a couple important reminders: 

  • Please select your team’s line-up each week so your players are printed on the scoresheet. 

  • Please ensure all players taking the court are on both the scoresheet and position tracking sheet.If needing to hand write a player’s name, ensure you put both first and last name. 

  • Taping of piercings is NOT PERMITTED. Players will be asked to remove jewellery and piercings before taking the court. 

  More information will be sent to clubs this week. We look forward to continuing with Round 1 tomorrow night! 

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  11&U Fixtures 

  All Abilities Fixture 

  Friday Night Fixture 

• High Importance - Kardinia Park Parking Impacts 

  Due to filming of a movie taking place at Kardinia Park from 26th April until May 3rd, carparking at Kardinia Park will be impacted for our Tuesday and Friday round 1 competitions. 

  Please allow PLENTY of time to get to your game. We encourage car-pooling, or parking offsite and walking to the venue. 

• Junior Umpires Starting this week 

  With a new season comes new umpires on their very first games! We are so excited to welcome them to umpiring, and look forward to seeing their development over the course of the season. We wish them the best in their umpiring journey!  

  Please be reminded of the green wristband initiative – if they wear green, they’re under 18! 

  It goes without saying, however, it is an expectation that all spectators, players, team officials, and anyone present at matches, will not engage in any sort of disrespectful behaviour towards these officials. Poor behaviour will not be tolerated. 

  If you wouldn’t say it to your own child, grandchild, relative or friend, don’t say it to our umpires! 

Resource Links

• Netball Resources
• Match Day Operations Manual
• Player Points & Salary Cap Documentation

Netball Umpiring

• 

  Green Wrist Band Initiative

  MIDWEEK UMPIRES WILL RECEIVE THIER WRISTBANDS WHEN CHECKING IN ON TUESDAY/FRIDAY NEXT WEEK.

  Please be reminded of the statewide ‘If they’re wearing green, they’re under 18’ umpiring initiative!

  Our underage umpires will be out in force with midweek commencing this next week, and while NO umpire deserves to be abused or disrespected– there is absolutely no place in our competitions for disrespect of our underage umpires.

  Don’t be a by-stander if this occurs – please stand up and support our umpires, and advise AFL Barwon of any instances whereby this occurs.

• Uniform Requirements – Midweek, Club and Panel Umpires 

  9.8 Club Umpires are to be dressed appropriately in umpire’s attire: White t-shirt or jumper, white or navy shorts or skirt, correct sports shoes. White or navy tracksuit pants/leggings and white rain jacket are permitted. 
   
  9.9 Panel umpires are to be dressed appropriately in umpire’s attire: White t-shirt or jumper, white or navy skirt or shorts, and correct sport shoes. Penalty: $20.00 fine to the offending Club or Panel Umpire 
   
  Purchase uniform from our online shop.

  Shop Online

Club Development

New Updates

• 

  Club Health Checks

  We want to hear about your club!  

  AFL Barwon and AFL Victoria want to better understand your clubs’ structures,  

  challenges and priorities so we can better support, not only your club,but club volunteers across the state for 2025 and beyond.  

  The best ways to complete the survey are to:  

  1. Complete as a whole committee at your next committeemeeting; or 

  2. Get a few members of your committee to complete the surveyseparately in their own time. 

  No matter how the survey is completed, we appreciate your time and insight regarding your clubs’ structures, challenges, and priorities.    

  Complete Health Check

• New Competition For One Club To Win $4K+

  Overall, we have had approximately 44% of clubs in Victoria respond to the 2025 Club Health Check.

  With a goal of 60%, a new opportunity for clubs who complete the Club Health Check has launched.

  Clubs who complete the survey before 11:59pm June 9 go in the draw to win a prize worth $4,100 ex GST ($2k cash + 12 footys)!

  N.B.: All responses submitted during the competition period (before 09/06/’25) go in the draw to win the prize, so all previous responses since late last year will be eligible. N.B.: Each club would only be entered once for one or more surveys complete.

• Webinar: Sport Integrity 101 for Community Club Volunteers

  In the lead up to National Volunteer Week 2025, this webinar by Sport Integrity Australia is designed to empower and educate community volunteers on the importance of integrity in sport. Clubs will gain insights into best practice for promoting fair play, safeguarding children, and strategies to tackle common volunteer challenges.

  Action: Register for the webinar and encourage other volunteers at your club to register as well.

  Register Here

• 

  Coaching Information

  A warm welcome to our recently appointed new football coaches and returning coaches, please don't forget to register for season 2025 by following the below link to ensure your coaching profile can added to PlayHQ.

   

  Click here for the link to the coach accreditation process flyer.

   

  Register Now

• 

  Trainers Course Opportunity

  We have been approached with the opportunity for club trainers to complete their level 1 trainer’s course.

  The cost is $299 per person with the date TBC pending registrations.

  If you are interested, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

• 

  Mental Health 

  An increasing challenge clubs are facing is the support to community members for mental health and wellbeing. Those not familiar with the vast numbers of resources, programs, toolkits and guides make sure you check out theMental Health & Wellbeing Page on the AFL Help website. 

  Our Mental Health partners in Read the Play and Tackle your Feelings also provide wonderful programs and services for clubs too. More information can be found at our Mental Health Page on the AFL Barwon website.

  Visit Page

• 

  Container Deposit Scheme

  Local football clubs across the state will be supported to raise funds and become more sustainable through a new partnership between AFL Victoria and Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic). CDS Vic provides the opportunity for Victorians to return eligible drink containers for a 10-cent refund. 

  Apply Here

• 

  GRANT - Toyota Good for Footy Raffle

  The Toyota Good for Footy Raffle is back for 2025! If a club has never engaged with the program, they can now register for free via the link below.

  Clubs who have previously registered are automatically re-registered and can start fundraising Immediately.

  Register here

• 

  GRANT - Bunnings Legend of the Tongs 

  A nation-wide search to find, recognise, and reward local community legends who fire up the BBQ every weekend, serving up snags in bread to raise much-needed funds for their clubs.  for more information. 

  Nominations are open now! Closing: 24 August 2025. 

  Register here

• 

  GRANT - PILA Goal Post Subsidy Program

  The 2025 PILA Goal Post Subsidy Program is now open for all AFL Victoria affiliated clubs.

  Subsidy will provide up to $1000 towards the cost of new posts for your ground.

  This program is open until 30 June, 2025

  Apply Here

• 

  City of Greater Geelong Fair Access Workshop

  The City of Greater Geelong is excited to present a Fair Access Workshop.

   

  The introductory workshop will be led and delivered via partnership with Regional Sporting Assembly - Leisure Networks. The workshop aims to progressively build the capacity and capabilities of the sporting Clubs and associated stakeholders in identifying and eliminating systemic causes of gender inequality in policy, programs, communications, delivery and allocation of community sports and recreation infrastructure. 

   

  We welcome Clubs across the G21 region to learn how we can collectively and inclusively develop sustainable and equitable practices in a sport and recreation environment.

  Date: 14 May

  Time: 6.00pm

  Location: Online or in person at Wurriki Nyal 137-149 Mercer Street Geelong, VIC 3220

  Book Tickets

• City of Greater Geelong Sport and Recreation Census

  The 2025 City of Greater Geelong Sport and Recreation Census is now live and we would love to hear from your club. 

  The aim of the Sport and Recreations Census is to  

  • Understand the constraints on pavilions and reserves 

  • Identify gaps, opportunities and address challenges 

  • Understand sport and recreation trends 

  • Understand who, when and how our people are using council assets 

  • Obtain data to support our strategic planning for our future. 

  Complete Census

Club Noticeboard

Submit Now

Commercial Partnerships

New Updates

• 

  Host a PLAY4BCNA Match

  Register Now and join the PLAY4BCNA Round.

  For support materials and merchandise orders to arrive in time for Mother’s Day weekend – order cut off is Friday May 2 (tomorrow).

  If hosting on any other weekend please allow a minimum of 5 business days for deliveries to arrive.

  
  Link to shop BCNA merch:https://pinksportsday.bcna.org.au/store

  Register Now

• Club Feature Opportunity - Times News Group

  AFL Barwon Clubs Offer to Feature in Times News Group Publications 

  AFL Barwon is excited to announce a new initiative with valued partner Times News Group, which will see all Geelong FNL and Bellarine FNL clubs receive dedicated editorial space in their local Times News Group publication. 

  As part of this partnership, each club will be provided with a half-page editorial opportunity across the 2025 season. This space offers a fantastic platform for clubs to showcase achievements, promote upcoming events, and share important community updates with a broad and engaged local readership. 

  With content appearing in the regionally aligned editions of the Times News Group – such as the Geelong Times, Surf Coast Times, Bellarine Times, and Golden Plains Times – the initiative ensures clubs can directly reach their local supporters and broader community networks. 

  To take up this offer throughout the season, please email AFL Barwon Commercial Partnerships Manager,Sean Atkinson for further details. 

• 

  Geelong Cats - Mother's Day Offer

  Get ready to see the Geelong Cats take on GWS Giants at GMHBA Stadium on Sunday 11 May! 

  Secure your seats with this 25% off Joel Selwood Stand seats offer to AFL Barwon 

  Buy Tickets

THE BARWON BULLETIN

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Football Umpire Appointments

General Netball

• Netball Operations Intern - Work Experience Overview – AFL Barwon

  We are excited to welcome work experience participants into our team and provide a valuable learning and development experience. Our program is designed to give students or recent graduates real-world exposure to the operations of a dynamic organisation, hands-on opportunities to contribute, and the ability to explore different areas of our business.

  What We Offer

  As part of your time with us, you’ll gain hands-on experience working alongside a passionate and experienced team, allowing you to contribute meaningfully to our day-to-day operations. You’ll also gain insight into all areas of the business, including (but not limited to)

  • Operations and Administration
  • Events and Competitions
  • Community Engagement
  • Governance and Compliance

  Please click here for the position description and for more information.

• Gilbert Netball Offer

  Gilbert are proud to officially launch the Gilbert x BCNA Supporter Ball, created in partnership with Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA).

   

  This partnership is incredibly important to us, giving Gilbert the opportunity to help support, inform and represent Australians affected by breast cancer through the power of sport and community. 

   

  The supporter ball is now available for purchase, with every purchase helping BCNA continue the vital work they do for Australians impacted by breast cancer. You can view the ball here. 

   

  We’d love your support in helping share this initiative across your club networks and communities.

• Score Entry

  Please make sure you removing any player who didn’t take the court from the line up!

  Upon entering scores, the FIRST step we are asking you to complete is:

  • Update line ups - remove those who didn’t take the court.

  From there we ask:

  • Enter final scores and quarter by quarter scores
  • Enter goaler statistics and player positions
  • Enter best players for media.

  There are a number of clubs who are still not completing this step correctly. Getting this right in the first instance saves stress later when queries around finals qualifications occur.

  As clubs, if you have a late change, we ask that your TM or a club admin jumps onto PlayHQ just to add them to the line up to make score entry easier. TM’s & coaches assigned to the team on PlayHQ can do this via the app.

Junior / Midweek Netball

• Midweek Netball Information

  Thank you to everyone for a great start to the midweek season!

  Please see below a few key reminders:

  Earrings:

  Please be reminded that earrings are not permitted to be worn or taped within AFL Barwon Competitions. Please see the relevant competition rule included below:

  Umpires shall ensure that players:

  • Are wearing no jewellery, earrings, or piercings. No taping of piercings allowed.
  • Wedding rings or medical bracelet may be taped

   First Aid:

  Clubs are reminded that they are responsible for providing first aid kits for all teams. Ice packs are available with the Competition Coordinator at each venue.

   

  Scorers to remain at bench:

  A reminder that as per AFL Barwon’s bylaw 14.8 'The official scorers must sit together for the duration of the match at the location to be known as the score bench’. Many scorers and primary carers have been leaving the bench during the match, and it is important that these officials remain at the bench for the duration of the match.

  Fixture Update:

   Following the completion of grading, teams will be placed into their final grades based on results and data collected across all four grading weeks. As this is a detailed and time-intensive process, there will be a short turnaround for the release of fixtures.

  The Week 1 post-grading fixture will be released as soon as possible, and we appreciate your patience and understanding during this process.

  The remainder of the season fixture will also be released as soon as possible, with updates provided via email to clubs as additional rounds become available.

  Uniform:

  All players must be in the correct approved uniform. Approved uniform may be in the form of netball dress, or approved t-shirt & short/skirt combinations. Design of Shorts worn with alternate uniform must be APPROVED by AFL Barwon, and that type of short ONLY will be permitted to be worn. Shorts must be of an appropriate length, and not contain pockets, zips or logos outside of what has been approved. Compressive bike shorts are not permitted – knee length or longer leggings are exempt.

• Scoring Resources

  Please see below an example scoresheet and position tracking document that may support your volunteers ahead of their scoring duties.

  https://www.aflbarwon.com.au/images/2026/Barwon%20Bulletin/April/Example%20Scoresheet%20-%20Juniors%20copy.pdf  

  We encourage clubs to pre-type their position tracking documents, with their club, age group and playing list included. You can find an updated (2026) template for this here:

  https://aflbarwon.com.au/images/documents/2026/2026%20OFFICIAL%20CDFNL%20Position%20Tracking%20Template.docx

  Examples here

• Representative Netball

  This weekend our 15&U and 17&U Representative Teams will be competing in the Central West Association Championships. All players have worked extremely hard over the representative program, and we wish all teams, participants and coaches' success on the day.

  Please see below details should you wish to attend:

  Fixture: The fixture can be found on Netball Connect   

  Competition Date: Sunday 17 May 2026

  Venue Address: Riverside Tennis & Netball Centre, 75 Newsom St, Ascot Vale VIC 3032

CDFNL Netball

• 

  CDFNL - Position Tracking & Scorers Example Document

  Following some queries, we are writing to clarify some of the process in relation to the scoresheet.

  • Goaler changes must be advised to the bench as soon as they occur to ensure that the bracket can be recorded.
  • If there are changes to goalers during the quarter breaks, this needs to be communicated to scorers, and that starting goaler positions recorded.
  • If there is no change from the previous quarter, this can be left blank.
  • TM’s must still record ALL changes INCLUDING goaler changes on the position tracking sheet at the team bench.
  • In addition the TMs and Captains, Scorers are required to sign the document as well to validate that it was completed on the day and had been received at the conclusion of the match to be included with the other match day paperwork.

• CDFNL - Game Management Logs

  Must also be available at the score bench for every game. When a warning, suspension or send off occurs, the umpires will hold time and while this time is held, the scorers must record the quarter, the position of the player and the action (Warning etc), for the umpires to then complete the remaining detail post-game - these actions aren’t noted on the scoresheet. 

  These are available to download here.

• 

  CDFNL - Umpire Uniform

  There have been several breaches of umpire uniform over the last few weeks with fines being issued. Please be reminded that: 

  No bike shorts!

• CDFNL - Score Entry

  Please make sure you removing any player who didn’t take the court from the line up!

  Upon entering scores, the FIRST step we are asking you to complete is:

  • Update line ups - remove those who didn’t take the court.

  From there we ask:

  • Enter final scores and quarter by quarter scores
  • Enter goaler statistics and player positions
  • Enter best players for media.

  There are a number of clubs who are still not completing this step correctly. Getting this right in the first instance saves stress later when queries around finals qualifications occur.

  As clubs, if you have a late change, we ask that your TM or a club admin jumps onto PlayHQ just to add them to the line up to make score entry easier. TM’s & coaches assigned to the team on PlayHQ can do this via the app.

Netball Umpiring

Resource Links

• Netball Resources
• 2026 AFL Barwon Pre-season Handbook

Brazilian Butterfly Player of the Week

Brazilian Butterfly is proud to partner with AFL Barwon in supporting and celebrating female athletes across our region throughout the 2026 season.

As part of this partnership, Brazilian Butterfly will provide Player of the Week vouchers to clubs across our female competitions. The initiative aims to recognise outstanding individual performances and celebrate the contribution of players at every level of the game.

To assist in promoting the initiative, clubs are asked to share an image of their selected Player of the Week holding the voucher using the dedicated template on social media and tag @aflbarwon & @Brazilianbutterflyau.

The template can be downloaded on the link below.

Please note that vouchers are available for collection from AFL Barwon for clubs that have not yet picked theirs up.

We thank Brazilian Butterfly for their support of female football and netball within the Barwon region.

Download template here

• 

  AFL Barwon Indigenous Round

  11th - 17th May

  Read more

• 

  Mental Health Round

  19th - 21st June

• National Volunteer Week (NVW) Planning: May 18-24

  NVW is a great opportunity for clubs & leagues to celebrate volunteers in a meaningful way.

  e.g. Plan for daily volunteer celebrations on socials. Clubs plan how to make Volunteers the ‘VIPs’ for a match day (where players take the reins & volunteers put their feet up). 

  Junior volunteers run through player guard of honour & a banner and are thanked on ground. Each club nominates 4+ volunteers in the National Awards.

  Get someone new to shadow each role to help with on-the-job learning. etc. 

  Action:Clubs start planning now.

  Links to support or attract Volunteers found here - https://www.volunteeringaustralia.org/get-involved/nationalvolunteerweek/

  https://play.afl/clubhelp/resources/volunteer-recruitment-tips#article-0

• Club Health Checks reminder

  Thanks to those clubs that have completed their 2026 Club Health check. For those that have not had the opportunity there is still time to complete.

   By way of explanation the survey helps us better understand club structures, challenges, and priorities so we can continue improving support for clubs and volunteers locally and across the state.

  The Health Check takes around 20 minutes to complete, with mostly multiple-choice questions and an opportunity to provide additional feedback.

   Link is found here.

  Club Health check

  We encourage clubs to either complete the survey together at a committee meeting or have multiple committee members complete it individually. Thank you for your ongoing support of the local football and netball community. Please reach out if you have any questions.

  Regards

  Tim Secombe

  Club Development Lead

  AFL Barwon

  0417665173

   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Senior Football

Football Umpiring

What is the White Card Policy?

The primary objective of the AFL Barwon White Card Policy is to ensure the well-being and safety of everyone involved in the game through the implementation of a structured approach to address unacceptable behaviour directed at umpires from the coaching box area.

At the heart of the policy lies a three-phase system designed to address instances of unacceptable behaviour promptly and effectively. This system provides field umpires with the necessary tools to intervene in real-time, with warnings (white cards) issued to offending coaches during the first two phases and escalating penalties for repeated infractions. The ultimate sanction, a red card resulting in ejection from the match, underscores the seriousness of any breaches of conduct.

Field umpires are empowered to implement the appropriate phase of the policy upon observing or hearing unacceptable behaviour from the coaching box area. Importantly, the process is characterised by clarity and decisiveness, with umpires instructed not to engage in conversation or debate during card issuance. By adhering to these procedures, AFL Barwon aims to maintain order and always uphold the integrity of the game.

Instances of white and red card issuance are recorded by timekeepers and documented in umpire match reports for further review if necessary. Cases involving breaches of the policy are subject to scrutiny by the Match Review Panel (MRP), ensuring that any disciplinary action taken is fair and consistent with the values of the organisation.

View White Card Policy Here

Resource Links

• On-Field Vests & Apparel (loco)
• Football Order Form

• Women & Girls Community Football Charter – AFL Vic

  AFL Barwon is committed to ensuring community football environments are welcoming, safe, and inclusive for women & girls.

  Female football participation across the region is entering an exciting growth phase, with new opportunities emerging for clubs supporting women and girls. The Women and Girls Community Football Charter encourages clubs, leagues, and umpire groups to create inclusive, safe, and welcoming environments, guided by four principles: opportunity, visibility, access, and investment.

  Clubs can easily become signatories by submitting an expression of interest and completing a short action plan with support from the state body. Benefits include access to grants, ongoing updates, recognition, and promotional resources. As momentum builds, embracing women and girls in football is strengthening club culture and fostering a unified “one club” environment.

  Further information and to register your clubs EOI found here

• Football Coach Developers – AFL Vic

  AFL Victoria provides a free Coach Developer network to support community clubs with mentoring, training session observation, and tailored education focusing on player-centred environments. These developers work directly with local coaches, particularly in junior football, to improve training structures and game-day coaching behaviours, AFL Barwon have assigned local AFL Victoria coach developers who are more than happy to provide coach education at your club. Enquires can be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  Check out these handy coaching resources packed full of videos to support coaches in our region

  Read More

• Container Deposit Scheme

  Win a Million Cents! CDS are running their Win a Million Cents campaign again in 2026. collect at least 50 eligible drink containers, find the nearest refund point, and return containers, complete the online entry for and upload the proof of return. The entry form will automatically calculate the number of entries. Open: 10:00am Monday 4 May. Close: 11:59pm Sunday 14 June For FAQ’ s and T&C’ s - Click here

• 

  WorkSafe Footy's Favourite Farmer Nominations

  Nominations are now open for the annual Footy ’ s Favourite Farmer competition, celebrating the incredible individuals who shine both on the farm and at the local oval. The competition, run in partnership with AFL Victoria, awards $10,000 to the winning farmer to put towards farm safety improvements, and another $10,000 for upgrades to their local football netball club.

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General Updates

New Updates

• 

  AFL Barwon x Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong Indigenous Round Launch

  Join us on Wednesday 21 May 2025 from 5:30pm - 7:30pm at theHoliday Inn & Suites Geelong for a powerful evening of art and acknowledgement as we unveil a striking mural by local Indigenous artists from SISTA Studios, created on Wadawurrung Country.

  This event marks the opening of the AFL Barwon Indigenous Round, a celebration of First Nations culture through sport, art, and community.

  Experience the mural, connect with Country, and honour the stories that continue to shape this land.

  Club RSVP here

• 

  Vilification and Discrimination Education Module Opportunity

  Through collaboration with the AFL and Geelong Cats, we are excited to be able to offer to clubs a free optional Vilification and Discrimination Module for administrators, players, and members.

  We have been very strong in our internal directives that Indigenous Round has a significant cultural meaning to our region that we are respectfully recognising. 

  This opportunity is something that is exclusive to the AFL Barwon region and we hope that the clubs see some great value in this.

  Complete the module here

• 

  Play AFL Concussion Hub

  The AFLhaslaunchedthenewAFLPLAYConcussionHub –acentralisedplatformdesignedtohelpcommunitycoaches,umpires,volunteers,players,andparentsimprovetheirunderstandingofconcussionaheadoftheseason.

  Inafirst-of-its-kindinitiative,theConcussionHubpresentspoliciesandpracticesinsimplified,engaging,andeasy-to-understandformats.Byinnovatingthewaysportseducationisdelivered,theHubaimstoempowereveryoneinvolvedinlocalfootballwiththeknowledgeandtoolsneededtorecognise,respondto,andmanageconcussioneffectively.

  TheHubfeaturesmorethan 150educationalassets,includingvideoexplainers,microlearningguides,anddownloadabletools.Italsoincludesaparent-focusedcontentserieshostedbysocialpersonalityandmotherofthree,EmmylouMacCarthy.

  Click on the button below to access the Concussion Hub.

  View Concussion Hub

• 

  AFL Barwon Football & Netball Concussion Protocols

  In-line with the AFL’s Concussion Protocols, AFL Barwon wishes to remind clubs of the updated Football & Netball Concussion Protocols.

  The key details to note within the 2025 AFL Concussion Protocols are: 

  • All Australian rules football competitions at all ages (i.e. adult/open competitions and all junior competitions outside AFL/AFLW), will adopt a mandatory minimum 21-day return to play protocol. This new protocol will apply for State Football competitions (including the VFL and VFLW), elite pathway competitions (including the Coates Talent League for boys and girls) and all community football competitions; and

  • Under the new community guidelines, the earliest that a player can return to play after a concussion is on the 21^st day after the day on which the concussion was sustained and provided that the player has safely progressed through each phase of the return-to-play program.  

  In-line with these protocols, AFL Barwon wishes to remind that it has adopted:

  1. The AFL Concussion Protocols for all AFL Barwon and affiliated Australian rules football competitions at all ages; and
  2. Has also adopted this policy for all AFL Barwon and affiliated Netball competitions at all ages. 

  This extends to practice matches, interleague and other games of any kind, of Australian Rules Football and Netball, in all forms.

  In-line with AFL Barwon’s 2024-2026 Strategic Plan, to be community sport leaders in the safe and sustainable delivery of Football and Netball, we will continue work regionally on further resourcing and support for all affiliated Clubs, competitions and Leagues.

  Clubs, stakeholders and community members alike are encouraged to contact AFL Barwon if they require further detail or clarification on these guidelines.

  View Concussion Hub

• 

  AFLB TV Live Stream Schedule

  GFNL

  Senior Football

  17/5/25 - Leopold vs St Mary's - 2:10pm

  A Grade Netball

  17/5/25 - Lara vs Bell Park - 1:40pm

  ---

  CDFNL

  Senior Football

  17/5/25 - Lorne vs Otway Districts - 2:15pm

  ---

  VIEW FULL SCHEDULE

  VISIT AFLB TV

• 

  Farewell and Thank You, Camryn Sheehan

  AFL Barwon bids a warm farewell to Camryn Sheehan, who has informed us that she will be moving on from her role as Communications and Media Coordinator after two fantastic years.

  Camryn made a significant impact during her time with us, helping to grow and strengthen our digital platforms and content across all levels of our game. She also played a vital role in our events space, and those who attended our Grand Finals would have heard her performing the national anthems.

  Her creativity, work ethic, and professionalism shone through in everything she did, and we’re incredibly grateful for her contribution to the AFL Barwon community.

  While we’re sad to see her go, we’re thrilled to share that Camryn has taken up an exciting new role as Events Manager at Kardinia Park Stadium Trust. We wish her all the very best in this next chapter.

  For all communications and media enquiries for the interim period, please contact Commercial Partnerships and Communications Manager, Sean Atkinson.

• 

  Senior Male, Senior Female and A-Grade Netball Indigenous Round Match Balls

  We are pleased to inform Clubs that we will again be playing with Indigenous designed
  match footballs and netballs for the Senior Male, Senior Female and A-Grade Netball
  matches to play with that round.
   
  The artwork on the Netball’s and Football’s was created by local Indigenous artist and
  footballer from our Region, Yalanda Neal.
   
  Following the match, we are asking clubs to come together for the presentation of the match
  ball to the player determined as the best on ground/court.
   
  The match balls will be available to be picked up from the AFL Barwon Office from Friday
  May 16th.

Reminders

• Rising Star Nominations Now Open!  

  AFL Barwon Clubs – Rising Star Nominations Now Open!  

  
  Do you have a rising star lighting up the field or the court? 

  AFL Barwon, in partnership with the Geelong Times, is now calling for club nominations for the Football and Netball Rising Star Award – recognising the brightest young talent in our region. 

   

  This prestigious award celebrates standout players under the age of 21 (as of January 1) from the Bellarine and Geelong Football Netball Leagues and Female Football Competitions, who show exceptional promise and performance on the field or court. 

  Each month, a Rising Star nominee will be featured in the Geelong Times, with all monthly nominees remaining eligible for the overall Rising Star Award, to be presented at the end of the season. Therefore, you only need to submit the application once for the season. 

  ---

  Eligibility Criteria: 

  • Must be under 21 years of age as of January 1 

  • Must have played no more than 10 Senior Football and A Grade games prior to the start of the current season 

  Clubs are invited to submit a nomination that includes a short write-up outlining the player’s achievements and why they deserve recognition. 

  Nominate Here: https://forms.gle/38tcL8rEhRawV41B6 
   

   

• 

  Indigenous Round Club Info & Toolkit

  Indigenous Round will be held 19-25th of May, highlighting the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to the games of football and netball. The round celebrates the relationship between local sports and Indigenous Australia by connecting football and netball players and spectators to Indigenous culture.

  Download the Toolkit below to understand how your club can get involved, as well as what AFL Barwon is doing to celebrate the round.

  Download Toolkit

• 

  Save The Date - Female Festival of Sport Breakfast

  The 2025 Female Festival of Sport Week will be held from the June 30th - July 6th, with the annual Breakfast event held on the 4th of July. 

  Details of breakfast:

  • Date - Friday July 4th
  • Location - Geelong West Town Hall
  • Time - 6:45am Arrival, 7:00am Start
  • Host - Madi Browne
  • Panellists - Coming soon

  Tickets will be released on June 2. 

Local Scoreboards

• GFNL Scoreboard
• BFNL Scoreboard

Times Footy

• Regional Scores
• Regional Teams

Commercial Partnerships

New Updates

Local Media

• 

  Heads welcome back Ward

• 

  Gun big to make cameo appearance for Supersaints

• 

  Tigers hang tight in biggest test of season so far

• 

  Eagles’ eye on the future

Football

Junior Football

Post Grading Fixtures

AFLBarwonwouldliketoacknowledgeandthankclubsandofficialsfortheirongoingsupportandcooperationthroughoutthejuniorfootballgradingperiod.

Pleasenotethatjuniorgradingwillbefinalisedfollowingthisupcomingweekend’sfixtures.Oncegradingiscomplete,ourgradingcommitteeswillconvenetoreviewresultsanddeterminethemostappropriategradesforallteams.Thisprocessisvital in attempting to provide acompetitivebalanceandapositiveexperienceforallparticipantsacrosstheremainderoftheseason.

Wekindlyaskforpatienceandunderstandingfromallclubsandstakeholdersduringthistime.Fixtureupdateswillbereleasedassoonaspossiblefollowingthegradingcommittee’sreviewandfinaldeterminations.

Wegreatlyappreciateyoursupportandunderstandingasweworktodeliverthebestpossiblecompetitionstructureforourjuniorparticipants.

Resource Links

• 2025 Junior Footy Match Guide
• Non-Appointed Umpire Match Report
• Non-Competitive - Umpire Match Report
• PlayHQ - Team Manager Matchday Guide
• Local PPS BY LAWS
• E-Scoring via PlayHQ Apps
• On-Field Vests & Apparel (loco)
• Football Order Form

Netball

Netball Victoria

• Country Football and Netball Program Applications

  Applications for the 2025 Country Football and Netball Program are now open 

  The Country Football and Netball Program helps upgrade and improve regional and outer metro football and netball clubs and associations.  
  Grants of up to $250,000 are available to deliver infrastructure projects that include the redevelopment and construction of courts, installation of lighting, and construction of new and redevelopment of existing pavilions, including genderneutral change rooms. 

  If your club, association or league is interested in facility enhancements through this program you should reach out to your local Council representatives or Netball Victoria’s facilities team. Noting that all applications must be submitted via a local government authority. 

  The 2025 Country Football and Netball Program applications close on 7 July 2025. 

  More information 

• Mandatory Child Safety Requirements – ACTION REQUIRED

  All netball Associations, Leagues and Clubs to MUST appoint a Child Safety Officer (CSO) and Complaints Manager. These appointments are a mandatory requirement under the Netball Affiliation Policy. 

  What is this about? 

  Each netball Association, League and club is required to appoint and record a Child Safety Officer (CSO) and Complaints Manager in Netball Connect by the 30th of June. This role is dedicated to supporting child safety and wellbeing at all levels of participation. The Complaints Mangers role is designed to support the management of complaints in accordance with Netball Victorias Policy Framework for Dispute Resolution. 

  The CSO will: 

  • Act as the first point of contact for any child safety concerns or reports, 
  • Support the implementation of our child safeguarding policies and procedures, 
  • Help embed a culture of child safety in accordance with the Child Safety Standards in their netball community. 
  • Lead/Assist the Child Safety review and action plan. 

  The Complaints Manager will: 

  • Receive complaints and act as the first point of contact for individuals wishing to raise a concern or complaint. 
  • Advise complainants on their rights, processes, and possible resolutions. 
  • Offer support and explain the complaint procedure clearly and fairly to all parties. 
  • Where appropriate, facilitate informal resolution or mediation between parties. 
  • Work toward timely and fair resolution of disputes. 
  • Maintain confidential and accurate records of all complaints and actions taken. 

  Why is this important? 

  As a sport that involves thousands of young players, coaches, and volunteers, netball must be proactive in protecting children from harm. By appointing a CSO and Complaint Manager, you will: 

  • Ensure compliance with national and state-based child protection laws, 
  • Promote a safe environment for junior players to thrive, 
  • Demonstrate leadership and accountability in child safeguarding within netball. 

  How do you implement this? 

  1. Nominate a CSO & Complaint Manager - Identify a suitable individual within your Association, League or Club—ideally someone with experience working with young people and a strong understanding of the Child Safe Standards. This could be an existing committee member, coach, or volunteer. The teachers, police officers, childcare workers etc in your community are excellent candidates for this role. Complaint Manger candidates may include police officers, social workers and social service workers. 
  2. Enter CSO & Complaint Manger in Netball Connect - It is a mandatory requirement that Child Safety Officers and Complaint Managers are nominated and
     recorded in Netball Connect. Click the link for the process - Our Organisation - Contacts 
  3. Complete Required Training - Appointed CSOs are required to complete the Vicsport Child Safety in Sport online training modules as part of their induction. The training is a free and interactive way to understand and comply with the 11 Victorian Child Safe Standards. Featuring one module per Standard, users are able to delve into the content while working through practical, sport-based strategies and scenarios to help with their
     understanding. The modules feature the ability to save as you go, meaning you can work through the program at your own pace. Click Here to access the training. Complaints Mangers will have dedicated netball online training modules in July which will be communicated, 
  4. Stay Connected - CSOs and Complaint Managers will be part of a network who receive regular updates, resources, and support through the likes of monthly online training sessions and collaboration in the Engage NV platform. This will help ensure consistency and confidence in creating child safe cultures in our netball communities and managing complaints. 
  5. Next Steps - Please submit the name and contact details of your appointed CSO and Complaints Manager by June 30,2025 via Netball Connect. Dedicated training and support details will be communicated and commence in July. 

  We thank you in advance for taking this essential step to ensure netball remains a safe, inclusive, and trusted sport for all young participants.  

  For questions or support during the process, contact the Member Services Team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• Reminder to update details in Netball Connect 

  Please update all details in Netball Connect under User > Administrators > Our Organisation. 

  Most importantly, please ensure all committee members are listed as a contact, even if they do not use Netball Connect in an administrative capacity. You can select 'No Admin Access'. Please also ensure all contacts have at least one role listed. 

Senior Netball (BFNL & GFNL)

• Match Management Logs

  A reminder to ALL clubs to please ensure that for each game, a Scorers Match Management log is provided, and that it is completed by scorers should a warning, suspension or send off be issued. This is simply noting the quarter and the position that the match management occurred in.

  The umpires will then complete this document at the conclusion of the game, sign off, and it is required to be submitted with the rest of the match day paperwork (if no match management action is used, then this does not need to be submitted).

• Match Management – Suspended Players

  If during the course of a game, match management is utilised, resulting in a player being suspended from the court for two minutes, this player is NOT to engage with the team bench, and must sit nearby the score bench for the duration of the suspension.

Junior Netball

• Representative Netball Fixtures – Monday 19th May 

  Barwon Junior Netball Championships (Grand Finals)

  • 13&U (5:20pm): Geelong Central NA v Bellarine FNL
  • 15&U (6:40pm): Geelong FNL v Bellarine FNL
  • 17&U (8:00pm): Geelong FNL v Colac & District FNL

  BJNC Fixture Here

  ---

  Geelong Central Netball Association

  -        13&U Geelong FNL vs Mixtures

  -        13&U Bellarine FNL vs KIC Kangaroos

  -        15&U Geelong FNL vs GCNA Turquoise

  -        15&U Bellarine FNL vs Monarch Crystals

  GCNA Fixture Here

• Midweek Netball Update

  The fixture for Tuesday Round 4 (20th May) has now been released on PlayHQ. The Friday Round 4 fixture will be released tomorrow.

  11&U Fixtures

  All Abilities Fixture

  Friday Night Fixture

  Example Scoresheets

• Midweek Netball Venue Maps

  See attached the venue maps for each of our midweek netball venues this season. 

  View Maps

Resource Links

• Netball Resources
• Match Day Operations Manual

Netball Umpiring

• Junior Netball Umpires

  With a new season comes new umpires on their very first games! We are so excited to welcome them to umpiring, and look forward to seeing their development over the course of the season. We wish them the best in their umpiring journey!  

  Please be reminded of the green wristband initiative – if they wear green, they’re under 18! 

  It goes without saying, however, it is an expectation that all spectators, players, team officials, and anyone present at matches, will not engage in any sort of disrespectful behaviour towards these officials. Poor behaviour will not be tolerated. 

  If you wouldn’t say it to your own child, grandchild, relative or friend, don’t say it to our umpires! 

   

• 

  Respect the players.

  Respect the umpires.

  Respect the volunteers.

  Respect the game.

  That’s how we keep community football and netball strong

Club Development

New Updates

• 

  New Concussion Hub 

  New: Play.AFL Concussion Hub 

  ‘If in doubt sit them out’ 

  The AFL has launched a new concussion hub. One centralised location where our community coaches, umpires, volunteers, players and parents can brush up on their concussion smarts. 

  Action: Check out the more than 150 educational assets on the new hub https://play.afl/concussion 

• Webinar: Connecting Communities - Australian Sports Commission

  Webinar: Connecting Communities - Australian Sports Commission (ASC): May 12 @ 1-2pm 

  ASC is bringing together leaders from across sport to discuss their experiences in utilising sport volunteering to connect communities across the country. They will also share their insights on how National Volunteer Week provides a fantastic platform to enhance the experiences for our current and future volunteers in sport. 

  Get ideas on how you can get involved with National Volunteer Week celebrations.  

  Action:register to attend Register Here 

  Register Here

Reminders

• 

  Club Health Checks

  We want to hear about your club!  

  AFL Barwon and AFL Victoria want to better understand your clubs’ structures,  

  challenges and priorities so we can better support, not only your club,but club volunteers across the state for 2025 and beyond.  

  The best ways to complete the survey are to:  

  1. Complete as a whole committee at your next committeemeeting; or 

  2. Get a few members of your committee to complete the surveyseparately in their own time. 

  No matter how the survey is completed, we appreciate your time and insight regarding your clubs’ structures, challenges, and priorities.    

  Complete Health Check

• New Competition For One Club To Win $4K+

  Overall, we have had approximately 44% of clubs in Victoria respond to the 2025 Club Health Check.

  With a goal of 60%, a new opportunity for clubs who complete the Club Health Check has launched.

  Clubs who complete the survey before 11:59pm June 9 go in the draw to win a prize worth $4,100 ex GST ($2k cash + 12 footys)!

  N.B.: All responses submitted during the competition period (before 09/06/’25) go in the draw to win the prize, so all previous responses since late last year will be eligible. N.B.: Each club would only be entered once for one or more surveys complete.

• Telstra Footy Country Grants

  Local footy clubs across the country can apply for Telstra Footy Country Grants, a partnership between the AFL and Telstra that will deliver $2m per year for a four-year period to community football. Round 3 closes 25/05/25.

  More Information Here

Submit Now

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• The Rise of the Surf Coast Suns Documentary

  This Friday, we will be releasing The Rise of the Surf Coast Suns, a short-form documentary capturing the journey behind the region’s first new senior football and netball club in more than four decades.

  The documentary will be available to be viewed via the AFL Barwon website.

• 

  2026 CDFNL Handbook

  We are excited to release the 2026 CDFNL Handbook.

  The pdf version can be found below.

  RSVP FORM

General Netball

GFNL & BFNL Netball

• Photography of Scoresheet & Privacy Reminder

  Netball Victoria have advised that they have received reports of individuals photographing score sheets, which often contain full names of team members, including children (even in Open or A division levels). Please be advised:

  • This practice is not permitted. Score sheets are administrative documents and must be treated as confidential.
  • Sharing or photographing score sheets can expose personal information, including that of minors, and may be a breach of privacy laws under legislation such as the Privacy Act 1988.
  • Coaches, team managers, team captains or designated officials are the only individuals permitted to view and handle score sheets within a competition. No images of score sheets should be taken or circulated.

• Game Played Report

  We are aware that there are some issues with the ‘Games Played’ report on PlayHQ and have advised them of this.

  In the interim, you can download reports via the ‘statistics’ tab, which will provide you with the same data.

  A reminder that players who did not take the court do not count towards games played status, and must be removed from the line up when entering results.

  Please reach out if any of your players have records that you feel may be incorrect.

• Qualification Reminders

  As we approach the threshold where players will be sealed to higher grades, please be reminded of the player qualification competition rules:

  BFNL

  • Players must take the court in at least 6 games to be eligible to participate in that division’s finals series. If the minimum number of games is not played, the player is ineligible to play finals.
  • Once a player takes the court in the 9th game, they are ineligible to play in a lower grade/ division in the same age group.

  GFNL

  • Players must take the court in at least 6 games to be eligible to participate in that division’s finals series. If the minimum number of games is not played, the player is ineligible to play finals
  • Junior players qualifiedin Division 2 of their age group automatically qualify to play in Division 1 finals of that age group.
  • Once a player takes the court in the 9th game, they are ineligible to play in a lower grade/division in the same age group.

• BFNL/GFNL Netball – Coaches Votes

  A gentle reminder for those who are yet to complete this form from the weekend.

  BFNL - 2026 Bellarine FNL Netball Coaches Votes – Fill in form

  GFNL - 2026 Geelong FNL Netball Coaches Votes – Fill in form

  A reminder that we require this information be submitted by Tuesday morning of each week.

Junior / Midweek Netball

• Fixture Update

  Grading has now concluded for AFL Barwon’s Midweek Competition.

  Using the data and insights gathered across the four weeks of grading, teams have now been placed into their final grades for 11&U, 13&U, 15&U and 17&U. Week 1 and 2 fixtures for Tuesday and Friday can be found via PlayHQ public site.

  The remainder of the season fixture will also be released as soon as possible, with updates provided via email to clubs as additional rounds become available.

• Uniform Reminder

  All players must be in the correct approved uniform. Approved uniform may be in the form of netball dress, or approved t-shirt & short/skirt combinations. Design of Shorts worn with alternate uniform must be APPROVED by AFL Barwon, and that type of short ONLY will be permitted to be worn. Shorts must be of an appropriate length, and not contain pockets, zips or logos outside of what has been approved. Compressive bike shorts are not permitted – knee length or longer leggings are exempt.

• Scoring Resources

  Please see below an example scoresheet and position tracking document that may support your volunteers ahead of their scoring duties.

  https://www.aflbarwon.com.au/images/2026/Barwon%20Bulletin/April/Example%20Scoresheet%20-%20Juniors%20copy.pdf   

  We encourage clubs to pre-type their position tracking documents, with their club, age group and playing list included. You can find an updated (2026) template for this here:

  https://aflbarwon.com.au/images/documents/2026/2026%20OFFICIAL%20CDFNL%20Position%20Tracking%20Template.docx

• Representative Netball

  This weekend our 13&U Representative Teams will be competing in the Central West Association Championships. All players have worked extremely hard over the representative program, and we wish all teams, participants and coaches' success on the day.

  Please see below details should you wish to attend:

  Fixture: The fixture can be found on Netball Connect   

  Competition Date: Sunday 24 May 2026

  Venue Address: Nillumbik Regional Netball Centre, Diamond Street, Diamond Creek, VIC, 3089

CDFNL Netball

• Photography of Scoresheet & Privacy Reminder

  Netball Victoria have advised that they have received reports of individuals photographing score sheets, which often contain full names of team members, including children (even in Open or A division levels). Please be advised:

  • This practice is not permitted. Score sheets are administrative documents and must be treated as confidential.
  • Sharing or photographing score sheets can expose personal information, including that of minors, and may be a breach of privacy laws under legislation such as the Privacy Act 1988.
  • Coaches, team managers, team captains or designated officials are the only individuals permitted to view and handle score sheets within a competition. No images of score sheets should be taken or circulated.

• Game Played Report

  We are aware that there are some issues with the ‘Games Played’ report on PlayHQ and have advised them of this.

  In the interim, you can download reports via the ‘statistics’ tab, which will provide you with the same data.

  A reminder that players who did not take the court do not count towards games played status, and must be removed from the line up when entering results.

  Please reach out if any of your players have records that you feel may be incorrect.

• CDFNL Qualification Reminders

  As we approach the threshold where players will be sealed to higher grades, please be reminded of the player qualification competition rules:

  • Players must take the court in at least 6 games to be eligible to participate in that division’s finals series. If the minimum number of games is not played, the player is ineligible to play finals.
  • Once a player takes the court in the 7th game, they are ineligible to play in a lower grade/division (in the same age group – Seniors is classified as one age group).
  • Once a player has taken the court in a specific senior grade they are ineligible to play in the senior grade 2grades lower. Ie. A grade and C grade or B Grade and D Grade.

Netball Umpiring

Resource Links

• Netball Resources
• 2026 AFL Barwon Pre-season Handbook

Brazilian Butterfly Player of the Week

Brazilian Butterfly is proud to partner with AFL Barwon in supporting and celebrating female athletes across our region throughout the 2026 season.

As part of this partnership, Brazilian Butterfly will provide Player of the Week vouchers to clubs across our female competitions. The initiative aims to recognise outstanding individual performances and celebrate the contribution of players at every level of the game.

To assist in promoting the initiative, clubs are asked to share an image of their selected Player of the Week holding the voucher using the dedicated template on social media and tag @aflbarwon & @Brazilianbutterflyau.

The template can be downloaded on the link below.

Please note that vouchers are available for collection from AFL Barwon for clubs that have not yet picked theirs up.

We thank Brazilian Butterfly for their support of female football and netball within the Barwon region.

Download template here

Mental Health Round

19th - 21st June

Read more

• National Volunteer Week (NVW) Planning: May 18-24

  NVW is a great opportunity for clubs & leagues to celebrate volunteers in a meaningful way.

  e.g. Plan for daily volunteer celebrations on socials. Clubs plan how to make Volunteers the ‘VIPs’ for a match day (where players take the reins & volunteers put their feet up). 

  Junior volunteers run through player guard of honour & a banner and are thanked on ground. Each club nominates 4+ volunteers in the National Awards.

  Get someone new to shadow each role to help with on-the-job learning. etc. 

  Action:Clubs start planning now.

  Links to support or attract Volunteers found here - https://www.volunteeringaustralia.org/get-involved/nationalvolunteerweek/

  https://play.afl/clubhelp/resources/volunteer-recruitment-tips#article-0

• Club Health Checks reminder

  Thanks to those clubs that have completed their 2026 Club Health check. For those that have not had the opportunity there is still time to complete.

   By way of explanation the survey helps us better understand club structures, challenges, and priorities so we can continue improving support for clubs and volunteers locally and across the state.

  The Health Check takes around 20 minutes to complete, with mostly multiple-choice questions and an opportunity to provide additional feedback.

   Link is found here.

  Club Health check

  We encourage clubs to either complete the survey together at a committee meeting or have multiple committee members complete it individually. Thank you for your ongoing support of the local football and netball community. Please reach out if you have any questions.

  Regards

  Tim Secombe

  Club Development Lead

  AFL Barwon

  0417665173

   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• 

  Ascend Coaching Pathway

  The Geelong Cats, in conjunction with the Geelong Falcons and AFL Victoria, are pleased to announce the Ascend Coaching Pathway for ambitious junior coaches across the Barwon region. 

  Participants will gain a Silver Coaching Accreditation via AFL Play, be considered for coaching opportunities within the Geelong Cats Academy and Geelong Falcons talent pathways, and be exposed to contemporary coaching practices from experienced coaches in the region.

  • Session 1 - Monday 1 June 6:30PM-8PM
  • Pathways Potential Talent ID with Jesse Drever (Geelong Falcons), Tom Lonergan and Abby Howard (Geelong Cats)
  • Session 2 - Tuesday 9 June 6:30PM-8PM
  • Player-Centered Development Environments (The Coaching Environment) with Nigel Lappin (Geelong Cats)
  • Session 3 - Tuesday 16 June 6:30PM-8PM
  • Fundamental Focused Training Sessions (Coaching at Training) with Chris Lynch and Harry Corrigan (Geelong Cats)
  • Session 4 - Monday 22 June 6:30PM-8PM
  • Coaching for Development (Coaching the Game) with Paul Corrigan and Tash Heffernan (Geelong Falcons)

   To be eligible for selection, candidates must be: 

  • Already Level 1 coaching accredited
  • Currently coaching or aspirational junior coach (Under 14s or above, stipulate club and role)
  • Interested in Cats Academy/Falcons programs in July and/or September
  • Available for all sessions
  • Based in the Barwon region 
  • Able to provide coaching background and reason for interest in the program

  Applications for the program open on Friday 15 May and close on Monday 25 May, with those selected to be notified on Wednesday 27 May.

  Please complete the following form to apply for the program: https://shorturl.at/9vL88

• New Netball Intermediate Coach Course Structure

  Netball Australia have released the newly redesigned and update Intermediate Coach course. Moving to a blended learning model, with both online course and a face-to-face workshop, it is an amazing learning opportunity for Development accredited coaches to move to the next level. The practical workshop must be completed to have your accreditation awarded, but the online course is open to all that hold the prerequisites. Details about upcoming practical workshops will be confirmed soon, while we pilot and test with Netball Australia. 

  Find out more

Junior Football

Junior Football Divisions Released

Firstly, I'd like to thank all club personnel and contacts for your patience through the Junior grading process. It's never perfect, but we've been working hard to provide the most optimal outcome for the region across the entire pathway.

We are very aware of all feedback that clubs have provided us throughout the 4 weeks of grading. It is an incredibly complex process with considerations that include but are not limited to competitive balance, fixture balance, ground availability and overall logistical feasibility. 

These are the final divisions for the U14-U18 Mixed/Male competitions. The Junior female divisions are still a work in progress and will be released later today with their fixtures. 

Given that we are privy to more information than any individual or club, we are confident that the divisions reflect what is most optimal for the rest of the season. I understand this may not be perfect, but if we were to act on every bit of information or opinion that we receive, there would be a greater imbalance when mixed in with the considerations listed above.

The first 2 weeks of fixtures for the entire Junior pathway (U9-U18) will be released by EOD (Wednesday). Anything communicated before we do is not final. The rest of the season will be released within the next week.

I wish every club/team the best of luck for the upcoming season.

Ayden Gras

Football Umpiring

What is the White Card Policy?

The primary objective of the AFL Barwon White Card Policy is to ensure the well-being and safety of everyone involved in the game through the implementation of a structured approach to address unacceptable behaviour directed at umpires from the coaching box area.

At the heart of the policy lies a three-phase system designed to address instances of unacceptable behaviour promptly and effectively. This system provides field umpires with the necessary tools to intervene in real-time, with warnings (white cards) issued to offending coaches during the first two phases and escalating penalties for repeated infractions. The ultimate sanction, a red card resulting in ejection from the match, underscores the seriousness of any breaches of conduct.

Field umpires are empowered to implement the appropriate phase of the policy upon observing or hearing unacceptable behaviour from the coaching box area. Importantly, the process is characterised by clarity and decisiveness, with umpires instructed not to engage in conversation or debate during card issuance. By adhering to these procedures, AFL Barwon aims to maintain order and always uphold the integrity of the game.

Instances of white and red card issuance are recorded by timekeepers and documented in umpire match reports for further review if necessary. Cases involving breaches of the policy are subject to scrutiny by the Match Review Panel (MRP), ensuring that any disciplinary action taken is fair and consistent with the values of the organisation.

View White Card Policy Here

Resource Links

• On-Field Vests & Apparel (loco)
• Football Order Form

• 

  Toyota AFL National Volunteer Awards

  Do you know an amazing community club volunteer? Nominate them for the 2026 National Volunteer Awards and recognise them for their incredible contribution and dedication each season. Category prizes include a money-can’t-buy 2026 Toyota AFL Grand Final experience and keys to a brand new Toyota. 

  Find out more information here -https://play.afl/toyota-afl-national-volunteer-awards 

  Club promotion toolkit found here

• 

  Join Love the Game

  The Love the Game Sporting Club Program aims to reduce the exposure of young people to sports betting promotions and to counter the normalisation of betting on sport. As a Love the Game partner, your club will take a stand against sports betting sponsorship and help juniors to love the game, not the odds.  

  Clubs who SIGN UP to Love the Game before May 31 go into the running for a Collingwood v North Melbourne behind the scenes experience! 

  Signing up only takes two minutes, join now. 

  Sign up here

• Women & Girls Community Football Charter – AFL Vic

  AFL Barwon is committed to ensuring community football environments are welcoming, safe, and inclusive for women & girls.

  Female football participation across the region is entering an exciting growth phase, with new opportunities emerging for clubs supporting women and girls. The Women and Girls Community Football Charter encourages clubs, leagues, and umpire groups to create inclusive, safe, and welcoming environments, guided by four principles: opportunity, visibility, access, and investment.

  Clubs can easily become signatories by submitting an expression of interest and completing a short action plan with support from the state body. Benefits include access to grants, ongoing updates, recognition, and promotional resources. As momentum builds, embracing women and girls in football is strengthening club culture and fostering a unified “one club” environment.

  Further information and to register your clubs EOI found here

• Football Coach Developers – AFL Vic

  AFL Victoria provides a free Coach Developer network to support community clubs with mentoring, training session observation, and tailored education focusing on player-centred environments. These developers work directly with local coaches, particularly in junior football, to improve training structures and game-day coaching behaviours, AFL Barwon have assigned local AFL Victoria coach developers who are more than happy to provide coach education at your club. Enquires can be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  Check out these handy coaching resources packed full of videos to support coaches in our region

  Read More

• Container Deposit Scheme

  Win a Million Cents! CDS are running their Win a Million Cents campaign again in 2026. collect at least 50 eligible drink containers, find the nearest refund point, and return containers, complete the online entry for and upload the proof of return. The entry form will automatically calculate the number of entries. Open: 10:00am Monday 4 May. Close: 11:59pm Sunday 14 June For FAQ’ s and T&C’ s - Click here

• 

  WorkSafe Footy's Favourite Farmer Nominations

  Nominations are now open for the annual Footy ’ s Favourite Farmer competition, celebrating the incredible individuals who shine both on the farm and at the local oval. The competition, run in partnership with AFL Victoria, awards $10,000 to the winning farmer to put towards farm safety improvements, and another $10,000 for upgrades to their local football netball club.

• Worksafe Health & Wellbeing Programs and Workshops (SALT)

  Thanks to our Principal Partner, WorkSafe, and delivery partner, Sport and Life Training (SALT) , Netball Victoria is offering a range of FREE health and wellbeing courses to netball associations, leagues and clubs across the state. Topics include: Mental Health and Wellbeing, Team First Leadership, Empowered – helping girls challenge stereotypes.

  For more information click here

• Vixen’s Grassroots Membership

  Netball Victoria affiliated clubs, associations and leagues have the opportunity to align with the Melbourne Vixens for the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball season with our Grassroots membership.

  We're excited to invite all Netball Victoria affiliated clubs, associations and leagues to join us as Melbourne Vixens members for the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball season with our Grassroots membership offer, thanks to Love the Game.

  Read More

• Building Culturally Safe Clubs

  Club leaders and coaches shape the culture of community sport through what they encourage, tolerate and address. As participation declines and clubs face growing pressure, creating more inclusive environments is key to improving retention, increasing participation and supporting healthier communities. Set The Standard is VicHealth’s statewide campaign helping coaches and club leaders prevent and respond to racism and build inclusive club cultures through practical tools, training and everyday actions. This webinar will explore the research behind the campaign and share practical steps leaders can take to reduce and prevent racism in community sport.

  Attendees will:

  • Hear the latest evidence on racism in community sport and its impact on participation, belonging and health
  • Learn how clubs can access fully subsidised anti-racism training (valued at $2,500 per club)
  • Gain practical guidance on addressing racism on and off the field
  • Learn how to share “Set The Standard” tools and resources across club networks

  Date: Tuesday 19 May 2026

  Time: 10am - 11.30am

  Location: Online via Teams (link to be provided 24hrs prior)

  Register here

THE BARWON BULLETIN

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2025 Handbook

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Navigation

• General
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General Updates

New Updates

• 

  AFLB TV Live Stream Schedule

  BFNL

  Senior Football

  25/5/25 - Drysdale vs Torquay - 2:10pm

  A Grade Netball

  25/5/25 - Geelong Amateur vs Ocean Grove - 1:50pm

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  GFNL

  Senior Football

  25/5/25 - South Barwon vs Leopold - 2:10pm

  ---

  CDFNL

  Senior Football

  24/5/25 - Birregurra vs Apollo Bay - 2:15pm

  ---

  VIEW FULL SCHEDULE

  VISIT AFLB TV

• 

  Prioritising Mental Health & Wellbeing

  As we gear up for another exciting season of football and netball in the AFL Barwon region, I wanted to take a moment to highlight an important issue affecting our players, coaches, and sporting communities: mental health and wellbeing. 

  Why Mental Health Must Be a Priority in Our Clubs 

  • 1 in 7 people globally experience a mental health disorder, and half of all mental health conditions begin by age 14​. 

  • In Australia, suicide remains the leading cause of death for young people aged 15-24​. 

  • One in five Australian adults experiences a mental illness each year, with depression and anxiety being the most common conditions. 

  • Suicide is a leading cause of death among adults, particularly men aged 18-44, who are three times more likely to die by suicide than women. 

  • In sporting environments, players, coaches, and volunteers often struggle in silence due to stigma, despite sport being an ideal setting for early intervention and peer support​. 

  Programs That Make a Difference 

  Your club plays a crucial role in fostering not just athletic ability but also mentally strong and resilient communities. Programs like Read the Play, Tackle Your Feelings, and Ahead of the Game integrate mental health education into sporting environments, giving players, parents, and coaches the tools to support each other: 

  • Read the Play delivers interactive sessions to junior players and umpires aged 12-18, helping them recognise signs of mental ill-health and know where to seek help to support themselves and teammates​. 

  • Tackle Your Feelings aims to provide senior players, coaches, committee members, support staff and umpires with the tools to Understand, Recognise and Respond to signs of mental ill-health. 

  • Ahead of the Game teaches players, parents, coaches, umpires and volunteers to understand mental health, build mental fitness and strengthen resilience.  

  How Your Club Can Get Involved 

  We encourage all clubs to prioritise these free and evidence-based programs in their 2025 season planning. By embedding mental health awareness into your club culture, we can collectively reduce stigma, support players and adults at risk, and create a safer, more connected sporting community. 

  To book a program or learn more, please refer to the attached document outlining all available mental health and wellbeing programs. 

  Together, we can make mental health a priority in AFL Barwon football and netball clubs. 

• WorkSafe Regional Signage Rollout

  AFL VIC & WorkSafe have been working on the rollout of fresh signage rollout to replace old and damaged signs that stretch back to 2002.   

  As WorkSafe's status as Premier Partner, each club venue is required to display the WorkSafe sign.  

  They have provided the dimensions and details of the signage below.   

  WorkSafe signage specs  

  1. 900 mm (high) x 2000 mm (wide)  

  1. 3 mm aluminum sheet  

  1. Laminated vinyl  

  If there are any clubs in need of new WorkSafe signs, please fill in the following survey. 

  Fill in survey here

Reminders

• Rising Star Nominations Now Open!  

  AFL Barwon Clubs – Rising Star Nominations Now Open!  

  
  Do you have a rising star lighting up the field or the court? 

  AFL Barwon, in partnership with the Geelong Times, is now calling for club nominations for the Football and Netball Rising Star Award – recognising the brightest young talent in our region. 

   

  This prestigious award celebrates standout players under the age of 21 (as of January 1) from the Bellarine and Geelong Football Netball Leagues and Female Football Competitions, who show exceptional promise and performance on the field or court. 

  Each month, a Rising Star nominee will be featured in the Geelong Times, with all monthly nominees remaining eligible for the overall Rising Star Award, to be presented at the end of the season. Therefore, you only need to submit the application once for the season. 

  ---

  Eligibility Criteria: 

  • Must be under 21 years of age as of January 1 

  • Must have played no more than 10 Senior Football and A Grade games prior to the start of the current season 

  Clubs are invited to submit a nomination that includes a short write-up outlining the player’s achievements and why they deserve recognition. 

  Nominate Here: https://forms.gle/38tcL8rEhRawV41B6 
   

   

• 

  Indigenous Round Club Info & Toolkit

  Indigenous Round will be held 19-25th of May, highlighting the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to the games of football and netball. The round celebrates the relationship between local sports and Indigenous Australia by connecting football and netball players and spectators to Indigenous culture.

  Download the Toolkit below to understand how your club can get involved, as well as what AFL Barwon is doing to celebrate the round.

  Download Toolkit

• 

  Save The Date - Female Festival of Sport Breakfast

  The 2025 Female Festival of Sport Week will be held from the June 30th - July 6th, with the annual Breakfast event held on the 4th of July. 

  Details of breakfast:

  • Date - Friday July 4th
  • Location - Geelong West Town Hall
  • Time - 6:45am Arrival, 7:00am Start
  • Host - Madi Browne
  • Panellists - Coming soon

  Tickets will be released on June 2. 

• 

  Vilification and Discrimination Education Module Opportunity

  Through collaboration with the AFL and Geelong Cats, we are excited to be able to offer to clubs a free optional Vilification and Discrimination Module for administrators, players, and members.

  We have been very strong in our internal directives that Indigenous Round has a significant cultural meaning to our region that we are respectfully recognising. 

  This opportunity is something that is exclusive to the AFL Barwon region and we hope that the clubs see some great value in this.

  Complete module

• 

  Senior Male, Senior Female and A-Grade Netball Indigenous Round Match Balls

  We are pleased to inform Clubs that we will again be playing with Indigenous designed
  match footballs and netballs for the Senior Male, Senior Female and A-Grade Netball
  matches to play with that round.
   
  The artwork on the Netball’s and Football’s was created by local Indigenous artist and
  footballer from our Region, Yalanda Neal.
   
  Following the match, we are asking clubs to come together for the presentation of the match
  ball to the player determined as the best on ground/court.
   
  The match balls will be available to be picked up from the AFL Barwon Office from Friday
  May 16th.

Local Scoreboards

• GFNL Scoreboard
• BFNL Scoreboard

Times Footy

• Regional Scores
• Regional Teams

Commercial Partnerships

New Updates

Local Media

• 

  Heads welcome back Ward

• 

  Gun big to make cameo appearance for Supersaints

• 

  Tigers hang tight in biggest test of season so far

• 

  Eagles’ eye on the future

Football

Junior Football

• 

  Barwon Region Showcase

  The Barwon Region Showcase is a representative program delivered by the Geelong Falcons with AFL Barwon to provide an opportunity for talented players in the Barwon region to compete against each other in a day of games.

  The games also serve as selection trials for the 2025 V/Line Cup and provide opportunities for coaches in the community to have a taste of higher-level representative football.

  88 Boys. 44 Girls. 6 Coaches.

  Teams named after Geelong Falcons Legends:

  • Team Dangerfield
  • Team Hodge
  • Team Howley
  • Team Morrison
  • Team Walsh
  • Team Ablett

  Eligibility:

  • Players must be born in 2010 to be eligible for selection.

  • Players do not need to be registered to a club, but must reside in one of the following municipalities: Colac Otway, Golden Plains, Greater Geelong, Queenscliff, or Surf Coast.

  How to Nominate:

  • Players, parents, and coaches may submit nominations directly.

  • Each club is entitled to submit four club-voted nominations.

  • Clubs may also submit additional nominations for consideration by emailing the Geelong Falcons directly.

  Key Dates:

  • Nominations close: Monday, 2 June

  • Player selection notifications: Monday, 30 June

  Coaching Opportunities:
  Community coaches are invited to nominate for involvement in the Showcase. A head coach will be appointed for each of the six participating teams.

  Pathway to V/Line Cup:
  Participation in the Barwon Region Showcase will be one of the evaluation opportunities for selection in the 2025 V/Line Cup squads. However, Showcase participation is not a prerequisite for selection. Final squads will be based on a combination of school and community football performance, and club feedback.

  Registration Fee:
  A $30 player registration fee applies, with full fee subsidies available in certain circumstances.

  Player Nomination Form

  Club Nomination Form

  Coach Expression of Interest Form

• Fixture Release: U10, U12, U14 Girls

  The full-season fixtures have now been entered into PlayHQ for both competitive and non-competitive female competitions.

  THIS WEEKEND’S GAMES RELEASED

  Due to the urgency of confirming upcoming matches, only this weekend’s games have been released at this stage. The process of scheduling across six divisions is complex and will continue in the background over the coming days. The full fixture release is expected Monday, 26 May.

  FIXTURE REQUESTS – FINAL SUBMISSIONS

  Clubs with any specific fixture changes or preferences are asked to email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Friday, 24 May. These will be reviewed as part of the final scheduling process.

  NON-COMPETITIVE COMPETITIONS

  Fixtures for all non-competitive female grades have now been finalised. These competitions will be monitored throughout the season and reviewed as required. Please note that no changes will be made during the initial four-week period.

   U16 FEMALE FIXTURE RELEASE

  Fixtures for the U16 Female division will be released by lunchtime on Friday, 23 May. This delay is due to a number of last-minute changes and adjustments needed to ensure accurate team placement. AFL Barwon appreciates your understanding.

  We appreciate the patience as the grading period has progressed, if there are any questions or notice that needs attention, please ensure the correct procedure is followed with communication to AFL Barwon to come through Club Coordinators or Club Presidents.

Resource Links

• 2025 Junior Footy Match Guide
• Non-Appointed Umpire Match Report
• Non-Competitive - Umpire Match Report
• PlayHQ - Team Manager Matchday Guide
• Local PPS BY LAWS
• E-Scoring via PlayHQ Apps
• On-Field Vests & Apparel (loco)
• Football Order Form

Football Umpiring

Netball

Netball Victoria

• Country Football and Netball Program Applications

  Applications for the 2025 Country Football and Netball Program are now open 

  The Country Football and Netball Program helps upgrade and improve regional and outer metro football and netball clubs and associations.  
  Grants of up to $250,000 are available to deliver infrastructure projects that include the redevelopment and construction of courts, installation of lighting, and construction of new and redevelopment of existing pavilions, including genderneutral change rooms. 

  If your club, association or league is interested in facility enhancements through this program you should reach out to your local Council representatives or Netball Victoria’s facilities team. Noting that all applications must be submitted via a local government authority. 

  The 2025 Country Football and Netball Program applications close on 7 July 2025. 

  More information 

• Mandatory Child Safety Requirements – ACTION REQUIRED

  All netball Associations, Leagues and Clubs to MUST appoint a Child Safety Officer (CSO) and Complaints Manager. These appointments are a mandatory requirement under the Netball Affiliation Policy. 

  What is this about? 

  Each netball Association, League and club is required to appoint and record a Child Safety Officer (CSO) and Complaints Manager in Netball Connect by the 30th of June. This role is dedicated to supporting child safety and wellbeing at all levels of participation. The Complaints Mangers role is designed to support the management of complaints in accordance with Netball Victorias Policy Framework for Dispute Resolution. 

  The CSO will: 

  • Act as the first point of contact for any child safety concerns or reports, 
  • Support the implementation of our child safeguarding policies and procedures, 
  • Help embed a culture of child safety in accordance with the Child Safety Standards in their netball community. 
  • Lead/Assist the Child Safety review and action plan. 

  The Complaints Manager will: 

  • Receive complaints and act as the first point of contact for individuals wishing to raise a concern or complaint. 
  • Advise complainants on their rights, processes, and possible resolutions. 
  • Offer support and explain the complaint procedure clearly and fairly to all parties. 
  • Where appropriate, facilitate informal resolution or mediation between parties. 
  • Work toward timely and fair resolution of disputes. 
  • Maintain confidential and accurate records of all complaints and actions taken. 

  Why is this important? 

  As a sport that involves thousands of young players, coaches, and volunteers, netball must be proactive in protecting children from harm. By appointing a CSO and Complaint Manager, you will: 

  • Ensure compliance with national and state-based child protection laws, 
  • Promote a safe environment for junior players to thrive, 
  • Demonstrate leadership and accountability in child safeguarding within netball. 

  How do you implement this? 

  1. Nominate a CSO & Complaint Manager - Identify a suitable individual within your Association, League or Club—ideally someone with experience working with young people and a strong understanding of the Child Safe Standards. This could be an existing committee member, coach, or volunteer. The teachers, police officers, childcare workers etc in your community are excellent candidates for this role. Complaint Manger candidates may include police officers, social workers and social service workers. 
  2. Enter CSO & Complaint Manger in Netball Connect - It is a mandatory requirement that Child Safety Officers and Complaint Managers are nominated and
     recorded in Netball Connect. Click the link for the process - Our Organisation - Contacts 
  3. Complete Required Training - Appointed CSOs are required to complete the Vicsport Child Safety in Sport online training modules as part of their induction. The training is a free and interactive way to understand and comply with the 11 Victorian Child Safe Standards. Featuring one module per Standard, users are able to delve into the content while working through practical, sport-based strategies and scenarios to help with their
     understanding. The modules feature the ability to save as you go, meaning you can work through the program at your own pace. Click Here to access the training. Complaints Mangers will have dedicated netball online training modules in July which will be communicated, 
  4. Stay Connected - CSOs and Complaint Managers will be part of a network who receive regular updates, resources, and support through the likes of monthly online training sessions and collaboration in the Engage NV platform. This will help ensure consistency and confidence in creating child safe cultures in our netball communities and managing complaints. 
  5. Next Steps - Please submit the name and contact details of your appointed CSO and Complaints Manager by June 30,2025 via Netball Connect. Dedicated training and support details will be communicated and commence in July. 

  We thank you in advance for taking this essential step to ensure netball remains a safe, inclusive, and trusted sport for all young participants.  

  For questions or support during the process, contact the Member Services Team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• Reminder to update details in Netball Connect 

  Please update all details in Netball Connect under User > Administrators > Our Organisation. 

  Most importantly, please ensure all committee members are listed as a contact, even if they do not use Netball Connect in an administrative capacity. You can select 'No Admin Access'. Please also ensure all contacts have at least one role listed. 

BFNL & GFNL Netball

• “Best Players” & Score Entry Reminders – ATT Team Managers and Coaches

  Best Players - We have noticed that there are a few matches coming in without ‘best players’ on PlayHQ being selected. 

  Please ensure that at the conclusion of all games, you are advising the home club of your best players for media purposes (those entered on PlayHQ). These are printed in the papers, and many players do go online to see these records. 

  This can be communicated via alternate slips of paper, as 3-2-1 on the scoresheet, or team managers/club admins can actually enter this themselves within 24 hours of the game concluding on their relevant PlayHQ portal (even if the away club). 

  A Grade Player Positions – Please ensure when entering the results that player positions are entered for ALL A GRADE GAMES. 

  **Please note that next week, the option to enter positions for B Grade during score entry will appear as PlayHQ are visiting and will be e-scoring some our games to gain a greater understanding of our needs as leagues within their software, meaning the setting will be on. This is not required for clubs. 

  Live scoring –Live scoring has been completed really well this season, so a huge thanks to you all for your buy in. 

  If you’re ever having trouble with e-scoring, some trouble shooting steps include: 

  • Ensuring you’re using the correct scoring link 

  • Logging out and back in 

  • Clearing your browser cache 

  Keep up the great work. J 

• VEO – Live stream Update

  Thank you to all clubs for your understanding while one of the VEO cameras underwent repairs. We have been advised we should have the camera back soon, and will hopefully be ready to go for games on May 31st. 

• 

  University of South Australia – Ankle Injury Study

  The University of South Australia is conducting on online research study into ankle injury. 

  Our aim is to better understand what might contribute to feelings of ankle instability in adolescents (12-19 years old*). This information will help us to create new treatments to reduce these feelings of instability and help promote return to activity. This study will require adolescents to complete an online survey, which will take around 30 minutes.  

  We are looking for adolescents who have sprained their ankle before, AND adolescents who have never sprained their ankle. 

  *If you are less than 16 years of age, please have a parent or guardian present while completing the survey. 

  Eligibility Requirements 

  We are looking for people worldwide who are: 

  • Age 12-19 

  • Proficient in written English 

  • No diagnosed connective tissue disorder (e.g. Ehlers Danlos Syndrome), arthropathy (e.g. Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis) or neurological disorder (e.g. Cerebral Palsy) 

  • No recent severe ankle injury requiring surgical intervention. 

  • No severe mobility impairment necessitating dependence on mobility aids (e.g., wheelchair, walking stick, wheeled frame walker) 

  Click here for more information.

  Click here to complete the survey. 

CDFNL Netball

• 

  Umpire Uniform Reminders

  Please be reminded that for Colac & District SENIOR netball grades (A-D), umpires are not to wear leggings/tights. Permitted uniform options are outlined in the competition rules, being skirts or shorts (included below).

  Any breaches to this will result in fines being issued by the CDFNL Board.

• “Best Players” & Score Entry Reminders – ATT Team Managers and Coaches

  Best Players - We have noticed that there are a few matches coming in without ‘best players’ on PlayHQ being selected.

  Please ensure that at the conclusion of all games, you are advising the home club of your best players for media purposes (those entered on PlayHQ). These are printed in the papers, and many players do go online to see these records.

  This can be communicated via alternate slips of paper, as 3-2-1 on the scoresheet, or team managers/club admins can actually enter this themselves within 24 hours of the game concluding on their relevant PlayHQ portal (even if the away club).

  A Grade Player Positions – Please ensure when entering the results that player positions are entered for ALL A GRADE GAMES.

• Uniform Requirements - Exemptions

  Please be advised that if a player has had an exemption for alternate uniform in previous seasons (i.e. compression tights), this must be advised to the league annually and does not roll over.

  While a new certificate won’t be required, correspondence to the league annually is required to ensure it can be recorded for the current season, permission granted, and appropriate steps followed.

Junior Netball

• 

  Representative Netball

  Barwon Junior Netball Championships  

  Grand Final Results 

  • 13&U: Geelong Central NA (42) def Bellarine FNL (32) 

  • 15&U: Geelong FNL (49) def Bellarine FNL (48) 

  • 17&U: Geelong FNL (54) def Colac & District FNL (39) 

  BJNC Results Here 

    

  Geelong Central Netball Association 

  • 13&U Geelong FNL vs 13&U Bellarine FNL 7:00pm KP court 3 

  • 15&U Geelong FNL vs Monarch Crystals 7:55pm KP court 1 

  • 15&U Bellarine FNL vs Foxes 7:00pm KP court 5 

  GCNA Fixture Here 

   

  Association Championships 

  This weekend the Bellarine FNL, Geelong FNL and Colac & District FNL 15&U and 17&U Representative Netball Teams compete at the Central West Association Championships. We wish them luck and look forward to seeing them play! 

  When: Sunday 25th May 

  Where: Darebin Netball Association (Narrandjeri Stadium 281 Darebin Rd, Thornbury VIC 3071) 

  Fixtures  

• Midweek Netball Update

  With grading finishing this week for our midweek teams, we are working hard at finalising divisions and completing the fixture for the remainder of the season. The Tuesday Round 5 (27th May) fixture will be released by Friday and the Friday Round 5 (30th May) fixture will be released by Tuesday. 

   

  11&U Fixtures 

  All Abilities Fixture 

  Friday Night Fixture 

  Example Scoresheets

Resource Links

• Netball Resources
• Match Day Operations Manual

Netball Umpiring

Respect Means More Than the Result

Respect the players.

Respect the umpires.

Respect the volunteers.

Respect the game.

That’s how we keep community football and netball strong

Club Development

New Updates

• AAMI Clangers

  Clangers for Good is back, and this year it isn’t just open to footy clubs, its for all AFL Fans. If you have a footy related clanger. AAMI wants to hear about it

  Enter now

• 2025 Toyota AFL National Volunteer Awards

  Do you know an amazing community club volunteer? Nominate them for the 2025 National Volunteer Awards and recognise them for their incredible contribution and dedication each season. Category prizes include a money can’t buy 2025 Toyota Grand Final experience and keys to a brand-new Toyota. 

  Nominate now or learn more

Reminders

• 

  New Concussion Hub

  ‘If in doubt sit them out’ 

  The AFL has launched a new concussion hub. One centralised location where our community coaches, umpires, volunteers, players and parents can brush up on their concussion smarts. 

  Check out the more than 150 educational assets on the new hub 

  New Concussion hub

• 

  Club Health Checks

  We want to hear about your club!  

  AFL Barwon and AFL Victoria want to better understand your clubs’ structures,  

  challenges and priorities so we can better support, not only your club,but club volunteers across the state for 2025 and beyond.  

  The best ways to complete the survey are to:  

  1. Complete as a whole committee at your next committeemeeting; or 

  2. Get a few members of your committee to complete the surveyseparately in their own time. 

  No matter how the survey is completed, we appreciate your time and insight regarding your clubs’ structures, challenges, and priorities.    

  Complete Health Check

• New Competition For One Club To Win $4K+

  Overall, we have had approximately 44% of clubs in Victoria respond to the 2025 Club Health Check.

  With a goal of 60%, a new opportunity for clubs who complete the Club Health Check has launched.

  Clubs who complete the survey before 11:59pm June 9 go in the draw to win a prize worth $4,100 ex GST ($2k cash + 12 footys)!

  N.B.: All responses submitted during the competition period (before 09/06/’25) go in the draw to win the prize, so all previous responses since late last year will be eligible. N.B.: Each club would only be entered once for one or more surveys complete.

• Telstra Footy Country Grants - Round 3 closes 25/05/25

  Local footy clubs across the country can apply for Telstra Footy Country Grants, a partnership between the AFL and Telstra that will deliver $2m per year for a four-year period to community football. Round 3 closes 25/05/25.

  More Information Here

• 

  Container Deposit Scheme

  Local football clubs across the state will be supported to raise funds and become more sustainable through a new partnership between AFL Victoria and Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic). CDS Vic provides the opportunity for Victorians to return eligible drink containers for a 10-cent refund. 

  Apply Here

• 

  GRANT - Toyota Good for Footy Raffle

  The Toyota Good for Footy Raffle is back for 2025! If a club has never engaged with the program, they can now register for free via the link below.

  Clubs who have previously registered are automatically re-registered and can start fundraising Immediately.

  Register here

• 

  GRANT - Bunnings Legend of the Tongs 

  A nation-wide search to find, recognise, and reward local community legends who fire up the BBQ every weekend, serving up snags in bread to raise much-needed funds for their clubs.  for more information. 

  Nominations are open now! Closing: 24 August 2025. 

  Register here

• City of Greater Geelong Sport and Recreation Census

  The 2025 City of Greater Geelong Sport and Recreation Census is now live and we would love to hear from your club. 

  The aim of the Sport and Recreations Census is to  

  • Understand the constraints on pavilions and reserves 

  • Identify gaps, opportunities and address challenges 

  • Understand sport and recreation trends 

  • Understand who, when and how our people are using council assets 

  • Obtain data to support our strategic planning for our future. 

  Complete Census

Submit Now

THE BARWON BULLETIN

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Bulletin Archive

Contact Us

Football Umpire Appointments

• The Rise of the Surf Coast Suns Documentary

  AFL Barwon has today released The Rise of the Surf Coast Suns, a short-form documentary capturing the journey behind the region’s first new senior football and netball club in more than four decades.

  Produced with the support of AFL Victoria, the documentary explores how the Surf Coast Suns progressed from concept to competition while navigating community debate, resistance and the complexities that come with establishing a new club in one of Victoria’s fastest-growing regions.

  Through interviews with key figures involved in the club’s formation, The Rise of the Surf Coast Suns provides an authentic and compelling insight into the determination, resilience and belief that ultimately led to the club’s acceptance into the Bellarine Football Netball League.

  Watch here

• Disability & Inclusion Workshop – Register Your Club Today!

  Everyone deserves the chance to play the sports they love in a safe, valued, and inclusive environment.

  To help our local football and netball clubs build more inclusive environments, AFL Barwon, in collaboration with the City of Greater Geelong and the Sport4All Program, invites you to attend the upcoming Disability and Inclusion Workshop.

  This workshop is a fantastic opportunity for your club's coaches, committee members, volunteers, and players to immerse themselves in practical learning, share experiences, and take away actionable strategies to welcome people with disability into your club community.

  Why Your Club Should Attend:

  • Practical Insights: Learn how to develop and break down barriers through the learnings to allow people with disability to participate in your club, either on or off the field.
  • Resources: Gain access to free resources and ongoing support through the Sport4All program to develop an Inclusion Plan.
  • Community Connection: Connect with other local clubs and ask questions about the AFL Barwon All Abilities Football and Netball Leagues or share some inclusion ideas and success stories. 

  Workshop Details:

  There will be 2 sessions available 

  • Date: Wednesday 17 June 2026 or Wednesday 24 June 2026
  • Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
  • Location:
    City of Greater Geelong
    137-149 Mercer Street, Geelong
    (Wurriki Nyal - G - Project Room) View on map
    or Online Link on request.
  • Cost: FREE for all AFL Barwon-affiliated clubs.
  • Who should attend? Committee members, coaches, coordinators, volunteers, and anyone passionate about making your club a welcoming inclusive space.

  Register here

• 

  2026 CDFNL Handbook

  We are excited to release the 2026 CDFNL Handbook.

  The pdf version can be found below.

  View here

• Football Operations Coordinator Appointment

  AFL Barwon is delighted to announce the appointment of Magnus Howells to the Football Department as Operations Coordinator.

  Magnus joins AFL Barwon with a strong passion for community sport and a broad understanding of the local football landscape. Through his involvement within football across the region, he has developed valuable experience working with clubs, players and volunteers, along with a genuine appreciation for the important role community football plays in bringing people together.

  Magnus has built a reputation as a hardworking and approachable person who is committed to supporting positive experiences for participants at all levels of the game. His strong organisational skills, professionalism and enthusiasm for football make him a valuable addition to the AFL Barwon team.

  In his new role, Magnus will assist in the delivery and administration of competitions across the region, while also supporting clubs and stakeholders with a range of football operations matters throughout the season.

  AFL Barwon looks forward to the contribution Magnus will make within the Football Department and welcomes him to the organisation.

• Xavier Nelson Farewelled

  AFL Barwon would like to thank Xavier Nelson for his contribution to the organisation as Operations Coordinator, with Xavier finishing in the role on Thursday 28 May.

  Xavier joined AFL Barwon as a trainee and during his time with the organisation successfully completed his Certificate III in Business, demonstrating a strong commitment to his professional development while gaining valuable experience within the netball and football industry.

  Throughout his time at AFL Barwon, Xavier has been a valued member of the Netball and Football Departments, providing support across a range of football operations and administrative areas. His professionalism, willingness to assist and positive attitude have been greatly appreciated by staff, clubs and stakeholders across the region.

  Xavier approached the role with enthusiasm and a genuine passion for community netball and football, and his contribution throughout his time at AFL Barwon has been highly valued.

  AFL Barwon would like to sincerely thank Xavier for his efforts and dedication during his time with the organisation and wishes him all the very best for the future and the next stage of his career.

General Football

• Football Department Structure

  AFL Barwon wishes to advise clubs and stakeholders of an updated Football Department structure, designed to strengthen support across competitions and key football operations areas throughout the region.

   

  Sarah Naylor – Head of Football

  • Female football competitions
  • Under 10
  • Under 12
  • Under 14
  • Under 17
  • Seniors
  • CDFNL football competitions
  • Match Review Panel
  • Investigations & Tribunal
  • Player Points
  • Policies & Procedures
  • Finals Management

  Ayden Gras – Football Operations Coordinator

  • Competitive junior football competitions
  • Under 14
  • Under 16
  • Under 18 football competitions
  • All Abilities football
  • GFNL football competitions

  Magnus Howells – Football Operations Coordinator

  • Non-competitive junior football competitions
  • Under 9
  • Under 10
  • Under 12
  • BFNL football competitions

  Jock Hilgrove – Director of Umpiring

  • Umpire appointments
  • Coaching & development
  • Umpire programs & talent pathways
  • Recruitment & retention

  These changes will help ensure AFL Barwon continues to provide strong support to clubs, volunteers, umpires and participants across all levels of community football.

• Football Operations Reminders

  As we move further into the season, AFL Barwon would like to remind clubs of several important operational requirements and by-laws.

   

  Senior Team Submissions

  We have noticed a number of clubs are not submitting senior teams within the required timeframe.

  Please note the deadline for senior male and senior female Division 1 team submissions has been extended from 6.00pm to 8.00pm Thursday nights.

  As per Section 25.1-3 of the 2026 AFL Barwon Handbook:

  Senior male and senior female Division 1 football teams must be entered with playing positions selected onto the PlayHQ database each Thursday night prior to 8.00pm.

  Penalty: $100

  Separate positions must be entered for:

  • • 18 players
    • 4 interchange players
    • Up to 3 emergencies
    • Penalty: $100

  Fines may also apply for players named on the official team sheet who were not included in the selected list of 25.Penalty: $100

   

  Team Sheets & Bench Personnel

  A reminder that all personnel located on the bench or inside the fence must be listed on the official team sheet in accordance with Section 17.3 of the AFL Barwon Handbook.

  Approved positions include:

  • Coaching Staff (maximum of 3)
  • Team Manager
  • Runner (1)
  • Trainers (4)
  • Water Carriers (3)
  • Qualified Doctor
  • Qualified Physiotherapist

  Clubs are reminded that only approved and listed personnel are permitted inside the fence.

   

  Forfeits

  AFL Barwon has seen a significant increase in forfeits across competitions in recent weeks.

  Clubs are reminded of the penalties under Section 14.3 of the 2026 AFL Barwon Handbook:

  • More than two days prior to the match: $100 fine
  • Fine doubled for repeat forfeits
  • Two days prior to the match: $300 fine plus umpire costs
  • Day/night before the match: $500 fine plus umpire costs
  • More than two forfeits: Team withdrawn from the competition and $300 fine

   

  Ground Markings

  There have been a number of reports regarding inadequate ground markings at junior matches.

  Clubs are reminded that all ground lines must be clearly visible prior to the commencement of games to ensure a safe and professional playing environment.

   

  Umpire Escorts

  AFL Barwon has also received reports that umpire escorts are either not being provided or are not present at the conclusion of matches.

  Clubs are reminded of their responsibility to ensure umpires are escorted safely to and from the playing arena and clubrooms before and after matches.

• Barwon Regional By-Laws

  Following email correspondence, please see the below link to the new Barwon Regional By-Laws.

  View here

• Footballs Available

  A reminder that AFL Barwon has match and training footballs available for purchase from our office.

  You can view the full range and place your order via the link below.

  Order Here

Resource Links

• On-Field Vests & Apparel (loco)
• Football Order Form

General Netball

GFNL & BFNL Netball

• Position Tracking Reminder

  • A reminder that for AFL BARWON COMPETITIONS (BFNL/GFNL/Midweek), the position tracking document MUST remain at the scorebench for the duration of the game.
  • This document must be completed at the score bench (not team bench) and must include the names of all players listed on the scoresheet.
    • Anyone missing from either the position tracking sheet or scoresheet (or missing from both) is not permitted to take the court.
  • For CDFNL competitions, please see the CDFNL section of the Bulletin.

• Qualification Reminders

  As we approach the threshold where players will be sealed to higher grades, please be reminded of the player qualification competition rules:

  BFNL

  • Players must take the court in at least 6 games to be eligible to participate in that division’s finals series. If the minimum number of games is not played, the player is ineligible to play finals.
  • Once a player takes the court in the 9th game, they are ineligible to play in a lower grade/ division in the same age group.

  GFNL

  • Players must take the court in at least 6 games to be eligible to participate in that division’s finals series. If the minimum number of games is not played, the player is ineligible to play finals
  • Junior players qualifiedin Division 2 of their age group automatically qualify to play in Division 1 finals of that age group.
  • Once a player takes the court in the 9th game, they are ineligible to play in a lower grade/division in the same age group.

• BFNL/GFNL Netball – Coaches Votes

  A gentle reminder for those who are yet to complete this form from the weekend.

  BFNL - 2026 Bellarine FNL Netball Coaches Votes – Fill in form

  GFNL - 2026 Geelong FNL Netball Coaches Votes – Fill in form

  A reminder that we require this information be submitted by Tuesday morning of each week.

Junior / Midweek Netball

• Fixture Update

  Grading has now concluded for AFL Barwon’s Midweek Competition.

  Using the data and insights gathered across the four weeks of grading, teams have now been placed into their final grades for 11&U, 13&U, 15&U and 17&U.

  The remainder of the season fixture will also be released as soon as possible, with updates provided via email to clubs as additional rounds become available.

• Uniform Reminder

  All players must be in the correct approved uniform. Approved uniform may be in the form of netball dress, or approved t-shirt & short/skirt combinations. Design of Shorts worn with alternate uniform must be APPROVED by AFL Barwon, and that type of short ONLY will be permitted to be worn. Shorts must be of an appropriate length, and not contain pockets, zips or logos outside of what has been approved. Compressive bike shorts are not permitted – knee length or longer leggings are exempt.

• Scoring Resources

  Please see below an example scoresheet and position tracking document that may support your volunteers ahead of their scoring duties.

  https://www.aflbarwon.com.au/images/2026/Barwon%20Bulletin/April/Example%20Scoresheet%20-%20Juniors%20copy.pdf   

  We encourage clubs to pre-type their position tracking documents, with their club, age group and playing list included. You can find an updated (2026) template for this here:

  https://aflbarwon.com.au/images/documents/2026/2026%20OFFICIAL%20CDFNL%20Position%20Tracking%20Template.docx

CDFNL Netball

• Position Tracking Reminder

  • A reminder that for CDFNL competitions, the position tracking document is completed by the TEAM MANAGER at the team bench. All changes must be tracked via the position tracking document.
  • Any goaler changes MUST be communicated to the scorebench as soon as they occur for brackets to be recorded. Any changes to starting goalers for each quarter should also be noted.
  • This document must include the names of all players listed on the scoresheet.
    • Anyone missing from either the position tracking sheet or scoresheet (or missing from both) is not permitted to take the court.

• CDFNL Qualification Reminders

  As we approach the threshold where players will be sealed to higher grades, please be reminded of the player qualification competition rules:

  • Players must take the court in at least 6 games to be eligible to participate in that division’s finals series. If the minimum number of games is not played, the player is ineligible to play finals.
  • Once a player takes the court in the 7th game, they are ineligible to play in a lower grade/division (in the same age group – Seniors is classified as one age group).
  • Once a player has taken the court in a specific senior grade they are ineligible to play in the senior grade 2grades lower. Ie. A grade and C grade or B Grade and D Grade.

Netball Umpiring

Resource Links

• Netball Resources
• 2026 AFL Barwon Pre-season Handbook

• Book a Read the Play session before Mental Health Round

  May and June bookings are filling quickly, so clubs are encouraged to book as soon as possible to secure a session before RTP Round.

  Clubs that book one or more Read the Play sessions and appoint a Player Wellbeing Officer will receive a Read the Play Mentally Healthy Club Badge. To be eligible, clubs will need to promote the Player Wellbeing Officer role within their club and provide the details to Read the Play.

  The badge gives clubs a great opportunity to promote on their website, socials, newsletters and other club communications that they are a mentally healthy sporting club and are prioritising the mental health and wellbeing of their young players.

  Book here

• 

  Parenting & Coaching Young Minds

• 

  Brazilian Butterfly Player of the Week

  Brazilian Butterfly is proud to partner with AFL Barwon in supporting and celebrating female athletes across our region throughout the 2026 season.

  As part of this partnership, Brazilian Butterfly will provide Player of the Week vouchers to clubs across our female competitions. The initiative aims to recognise outstanding individual performances and celebrate the contribution of players at every level of the game.

  To assist in promoting the initiative, clubs are asked to share an image of their selected Player of the Week holding the voucher using the dedicated template on social media and tag @aflbarwon & @Brazilianbutterflyau.

  The template can be downloaded on the link below.

  Please note that vouchers are available for collection from AFL Barwon for clubs that have not yet picked theirs up.

  We thank Brazilian Butterfly for their support of female football and netball within the Barwon region.

  Download template here

• 

  Mental Health Round

  19th - 21st June

  Read more

• 

  Female Festival of Sport

  6th - 12th July

  Read more

• 

  Ascend Coaching Pathway

  The Geelong Cats, in conjunction with the Geelong Falcons and AFL Victoria, are pleased to announce the Ascend Coaching Pathway for ambitious junior coaches across the Barwon region. 

  Participants will gain a Silver Coaching Accreditation via AFL Play, be considered for coaching opportunities within the Geelong Cats Academy and Geelong Falcons talent pathways, and be exposed to contemporary coaching practices from experienced coaches in the region.

  • Session 1 - Monday 1 June 6:30PM-8PM
  • Pathways Potential Talent ID with Jesse Drever (Geelong Falcons), Tom Lonergan and Abby Howard (Geelong Cats)
  • Session 2 - Tuesday 9 June 6:30PM-8PM
  • Player-Centered Development Environments (The Coaching Environment) with Nigel Lappin (Geelong Cats)
  • Session 3 - Tuesday 16 June 6:30PM-8PM
  • Fundamental Focused Training Sessions (Coaching at Training) with Chris Lynch and Harry Corrigan (Geelong Cats)
  • Session 4 - Monday 22 June 6:30PM-8PM
  • Coaching for Development (Coaching the Game) with Paul Corrigan and Tash Heffernan (Geelong Falcons)

   To be eligible for selection, candidates must be: 

  • Already Level 1 coaching accredited
  • Currently coaching or aspirational junior coach (Under 14s or above, stipulate club and role)
  • Interested in Cats Academy/Falcons programs in July and/or September
  • Available for all sessions
  • Based in the Barwon region 
  • Able to provide coaching background and reason for interest in the program

  Applications for the program open on Friday 15 May and close on Monday 25 May, with those selected to be notified on Wednesday 27 May.

  Please complete the following form to apply for the program: https://shorturl.at/9vL88

• New Netball Intermediate Coach Course Structure

  Netball Australia have released the newly redesigned and update Intermediate Coach course. Moving to a blended learning model, with both online course and a face-to-face workshop, it is an amazing learning opportunity for Development accredited coaches to move to the next level. The practical workshop must be completed to have your accreditation awarded, but the online course is open to all that hold the prerequisites. Details about upcoming practical workshops will be confirmed soon, while we pilot and test with Netball Australia. 

  Find out more

• 

  Toyota AFL National Volunteer Awards

  Do you know an amazing community club volunteer? Nominate them for the 2026 National Volunteer Awards and recognise them for their incredible contribution and dedication each season. Category prizes include a money-can’t-buy 2026 Toyota AFL Grand Final experience and keys to a brand new Toyota. 

  Find out more information here -https://play.afl/toyota-afl-national-volunteer-awards 

  Club promotion toolkit found here

• 

  Join Love the Game

  The Love the Game Sporting Club Program aims to reduce the exposure of young people to sports betting promotions and to counter the normalisation of betting on sport. As a Love the Game partner, your club will take a stand against sports betting sponsorship and help juniors to love the game, not the odds.  

  Clubs who SIGN UP to Love the Game before May 31 go into the running for a Collingwood v North Melbourne behind the scenes experience! 

  Signing up only takes two minutes, join now. 

  Sign up here

• Women & Girls Community Football Charter – AFL Vic

  AFL Barwon is committed to ensuring community football environments are welcoming, safe, and inclusive for women & girls.

  Female football participation across the region is entering an exciting growth phase, with new opportunities emerging for clubs supporting women and girls. The Women and Girls Community Football Charter encourages clubs, leagues, and umpire groups to create inclusive, safe, and welcoming environments, guided by four principles: opportunity, visibility, access, and investment.

  Clubs can easily become signatories by submitting an expression of interest and completing a short action plan with support from the state body. Benefits include access to grants, ongoing updates, recognition, and promotional resources. As momentum builds, embracing women and girls in football is strengthening club culture and fostering a unified “one club” environment.

  Further information and to register your clubs EOI found here - https://play.afl/clubhelp/women-girls/community-football-charter

  As a thought provoker and to compliment the Women & Girls Community Football Charter, please consider completing The Fair Access Club Self-Assessment Tool which is a practical guide developed by the City of Greater Geelong to help sporting clubs review how inclusive and welcoming they are. It allows clubs to assess key areas such as facilities, culture, leadership, participation and promotion, focusing on inclusion of women, girls and under-represented groups. The benefit is that clubs can identify strengths and gaps, then take action to improve fairness and access across all parts of the organisation. This leads to more diverse participation, stronger community connections, increased volunteering, and a more supportive environment for everyone involved in sport and active recreation. 

  Complete the tool with your committee here: https://yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/index.php?cID=3580

  Further information and to register your clubs EOI found here

• Football Coach Developers – AFL Vic

  AFL Victoria provides a free Coach Developer network to support community clubs with mentoring, training session observation, and tailored education focusing on player-centred environments. These developers work directly with local coaches, particularly in junior football, to improve training structures and game-day coaching behaviours, AFL Barwon have assigned local AFL Victoria coach developers who are more than happy to provide coach education at your club. Enquires can be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  Check out these handy coaching resources packed full of videos to support coaches in our region

  Read More

• Container Deposit Scheme

  Win a Million Cents! CDS are running their Win a Million Cents campaign again in 2026. collect at least 50 eligible drink containers, find the nearest refund point, and return containers, complete the online entry for and upload the proof of return. The entry form will automatically calculate the number of entries. Open: 10:00am Monday 4 May. Close: 11:59pm Sunday 14 June For FAQ’ s and T&C’ s - Click here

• 

  WorkSafe Footy's Favourite Farmer Nominations

  Nominations are now open for the annual Footy ’ s Favourite Farmer competition, celebrating the incredible individuals who shine both on the farm and at the local oval. The competition, run in partnership with AFL Victoria, awards $10,000 to the winning farmer to put towards farm safety improvements, and another $10,000 for upgrades to their local football netball club.

• Worksafe Health & Wellbeing Programs and Workshops (SALT)

  Thanks to our Principal Partner, WorkSafe, and delivery partner, Sport and Life Training (SALT) , Netball Victoria is offering a range of FREE health and wellbeing courses to netball associations, leagues and clubs across the state. Topics include: Mental Health and Wellbeing, Team First Leadership, Empowered – helping girls challenge stereotypes.

  For more information click here

• Vixen’s Grassroots Membership

  Netball Victoria affiliated clubs, associations and leagues have the opportunity to align with the Melbourne Vixens for the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball season with our Grassroots membership.

  We're excited to invite all Netball Victoria affiliated clubs, associations and leagues to join us as Melbourne Vixens members for the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball season with our Grassroots membership offer, thanks to Love the Game.

  Read More

• Building Culturally Safe Clubs

  Club leaders and coaches shape the culture of community sport through what they encourage, tolerate and address. As participation declines and clubs face growing pressure, creating more inclusive environments is key to improving retention, increasing participation and supporting healthier communities. Set The Standard is VicHealth’s statewide campaign helping coaches and club leaders prevent and respond to racism and build inclusive club cultures through practical tools, training and everyday actions. This webinar will explore the research behind the campaign and share practical steps leaders can take to reduce and prevent racism in community sport.

  Attendees will:

  • Hear the latest evidence on racism in community sport and its impact on participation, belonging and health
  • Learn how clubs can access fully subsidised anti-racism training (valued at $2,500 per club)
  • Gain practical guidance on addressing racism on and off the field
  • Learn how to share “Set The Standard” tools and resources across club networks

  Date: Tuesday 19 May 2026

  Time: 10am - 11.30am

  Location: Online via Teams (link to be provided 24hrs prior)

  Register here

THE BARWON BULLETIN

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General Updates

New Updates

• 

  Inclusion Round Launch

  Free Equal the Contest Screening & Inclusion Workshop

  Pivotonian Theatre , Wednesday June 4th,5:30pm – 7:30pm 

  This special event, hosted by Leisure Networks as part of AFL Barwon’s Inclusion Round, is a powerful opportunity for clubs to learn, connect, and be inspired to create more inclusive sporting environments.

  The evening will feature a screening of Equal the Contest – a moving and relevant documentary that brings real stories to life, showing why inclusion in sport matters and how community clubs can help lead the change.

  The film follows a non-binary filmmaker who joins a local women’s footy team in regional Victoria and, through that experience, uncovers both a personal and collective fight for belonging in community sport.

  “Emotive, moving, inspiring, important and essential viewing.”
  — Audience response from the film’s world premiere.
  View the trailer here: https://equalthecontest.au/index.php/trailer/

  After the screening, attendees are invited next door to the Leisure Networks office for light refreshments and a short networking session. You’ll also learn more about the practical ways your club can be more inclusive – and how Leisure Networks can support you to make it happen.

  Spaces are limited, so we encourage early registration. Your club’s reps can be players, coaches, committee members, wellbeing officers – whoever you think will help drive inclusive change.

  Register here

• AFLB TV Live Stream Schedule

  BFNL

  Senior Football

  31/5/25 - Barwon Heads vs Newcomb - 2:10pm

  A Grade Netball

  31/5/25 - Barwon Heads vs Newcomb - 12:50pm

  31/5/25 - Torquay vs Queenscliff - 1:50pm

  ---

  GFNL

  Senior Football

  1/6/25 - St Mary's vs St Joseph's - 2:30pm

  A Grade Netball

  1/6/25 - St Mary's vs St Joseph's - 2:45pm

  ---

  CDFNL

  Senior Football

  31/5/25 - Irrewarra-Beeac vs Birregurra - 2:15pm

  ---

  VIEW FULL SCHEDULE

  VISIT AFLB TV

• 

  Mid Season Entry NOW OPEN

  Mid season entries to Auskick and Super Kick for all new participants is now only $55!!

  It's not too late to join the fun.

  Find your nearest centre

Reminders

• Rising Star Nominations Reminder

  AFL Barwon Clubs – Rising Star Nominations.

  Do you have a rising star lighting up the field or the court? 

  AFL Barwon, in partnership with the Geelong Times, is now calling for club nominations for the Football and Netball Rising Star Award – recognising the brightest young talent in our region. 

  This prestigious award celebrates standout players under the age of 21 (as of January 1) from the Bellarine and Geelong Football Netball Leagues and Female Football Competitions, who show exceptional promise and performance on the field or court. 

  Each month, a Rising Star nominee will be featured in the Geelong Times, with all monthly nominees remaining eligible for the overall Rising Star Award, to be presented at the end of the season. Therefore, you only need to submit the application once for the season. 

  ---

  Eligibility Criteria: 

  • Must be under 21 years of age as of January 1 

  • Must have played no more than 10 Senior Football and A Grade games prior to the start of the current season 

  Clubs are invited to submit a nomination that includes a short write-up outlining the player’s achievements and why they deserve recognition. 

  Nominate Here: https://forms.gle/38tcL8rEhRawV41B6 
  

• 

  Save The Date - Female Festival of Sport Breakfast

  The 2025 Female Festival of Sport Week will be held from the June 30th - July 6th, with the annual Breakfast event held on the 4th of July. 

  Details of breakfast:

  • Date - Friday July 4th
  • Location - Geelong West Town Hall
  • Time - 6:45am Arrival, 7:00am Start
  • Host - Madi Browne
  • Panellists - Coming soon

  Tickets will be released on June 2. 

• WorkSafe Regional Signage Rollout

  AFL VIC & WorkSafe have been working on the rollout of fresh signage rollout to replace old and damaged signs that stretch back to 2002.   

  As WorkSafe's status as Premier Partner, each club venue is required to display the WorkSafe sign.  

  They have provided the dimensions and details of the signage below.   

  WorkSafe signage specs  

  1. 900 mm (high) x 2000 mm (wide)  

  1. 3 mm aluminium sheet  

  1. Laminated vinyl  

  If there are any clubs in need of new WorkSafe signs, please fill in the following survey. 

  Order your sign

Local Scoreboards

• GFNL Scoreboard
• BFNL Scoreboard

Times Footy

• Regional Scores
• Regional Teams

Commercial Partnerships

New Updates

• 

  Coaching Young Minds 

  Join us for an important conversation on how to better support neurodivergent youth in sport!

  Monday 16 June 2025
  6:15 PM – 8:30 PM
  GMHBA Stadium
  $15 per person 

  This session is perfect for coaches working with young people aged 12–18. Learn practical strategies to:

  • Coach inclusively
  • Communicate effectively
  • Create positive team environments
  • Recognise and work with diverse strengths

  Featuring keynote speaker A/Prof Erin Hoare, with insights from Simon Lloyd and Travis Zimmer
  Hosted by Claudia Gunjaca, AFLW athlete with the Geelong Cats

  All proceeds go directly to supporting Read the Play’s youth mental health programs.

  Register here

• 

  AFL Barwon Ticket Offer - Geelong Cats vs Gold Coast Suns

  Don’t miss Round 13 as the Cats take on the Suns!

  Take advantage of this exclusive AFL Barwon offer and score 25% off Joel Selwood Stand tickets.

  
  Click the link below to secure your seats now!

  Purchase Tickets

• The Digital Gameplan By Red Onion Creative

  We are pleased to announce the launch of The Digital Gameplan, a new fortnightly newsletter releasing Thursdays from Red Onion Creative.

  This free resource is designed to help sporting associations and clubs strengthen their digital presence and grow their revenue. 

  Each edition includes:

  • A clear, actionable tip to improve digital marketing
  • Useful tools and resources 
  • Ideas drawn from recent work to help clubs think differently
  • Practical value to help attract sponsors and grow engagement 

  Subscribe here

Football

New Updates

• Under 18 Player Numbers - Memo/Clarification

  There have been a few queries regarding player numbers in the lower graded Under 18 Competitions.

  There was a recommendation that Simon proposed for all divisions other than Division 1 to be 16 a side, but it was not approved by the Commission’s Operations Committee.

  It was believed that the below existing competition rule provided for teams who were short of players on the day.

  Please below clarification for you to share with Coaches and Team Managers.

  23.1.1 - Where there are multiple divisions, all other than the lowest graded competition are deemed to be an “18 a side competition” with a maximum of 23 players and a minimum of 14 players.

  23.1.2 - The Lowest Graded Competition is deemed to be a “16 a side competition” with a maximum of 23 players and a minimum of 14 players. If either side has less than 16, both teams must play with the same number of players.

  If both sides have 20 or more players on the day, then both teams will field 18 players.

  23.1.3 - In all divisions other than Division 1, where a team has the minimum number of players to start a match but not a full team (excluding bench), the team with the numerical advantage must either “loan” players to the opposition or play with an equal number of players on the field unless:

  1. A loan is offered but after evening up numbers there are still excess players in which case

  the team with the numerical advantage can play with one extra player; or

  • The team with the numerical advantage only has one extra player than the opposition in which case the team with the numerical advantage can play with that extra player; or

  • The team with minimum numbers refuses to accept “loan” players in which case the team with the numerical advantage can play at full strength.

  • Team Managers and Umpires are required to sign off on player numbers on the competition match report prior to the match commencing

• Under 18 Male Fixture Update

  Please note that we are currently in the process of finalising the Under 18 fixture for the remainder of the season.

  We understand the importance of having clarity and consistency for planning purposes, and we are working to ensure the fixture is completed and communicated as soon as possible.

  If you have any questions or require further information in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact Sean at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we finalise these arrangements.

Reminders

Barwon Region Showcase

The Barwon Region Showcase is a representative program delivered by the Geelong Falcons with AFL Barwon to provide an opportunity for talented players in the Barwon region to compete against each other in a day of games.

The games also serve as selection trials for the 2025 V/Line Cup and provide opportunities for coaches in the community to have a taste of higher-level representative football.

88 Boys. 44 Girls. 6 Coaches.

Teams named after Geelong Falcons Legends:

• Team Dangerfield
• Team Hodge
• Team Howley
• Team Morrison
• Team Walsh
• Team Ablett

Eligibility:

• Players must be born in 2010 to be eligible for selection.

• Players do not need to be registered to a club, but must reside in one of the following municipalities: Colac Otway, Golden Plains, Greater Geelong, Queenscliff, or Surf Coast.

How to Nominate:

• Players, parents, and coaches may submit nominations directly.

• Each club is entitled to submit four club-voted nominations.

• Clubs may also submit additional nominations for consideration by emailing the Geelong Falcons directly.

Key Dates:

• Nominations close: Monday, 2 June

• Player selection notifications: Monday, 30 June

Coaching Opportunities:
Community coaches are invited to nominate for involvement in the Showcase. A head coach will be appointed for each of the six participating teams.

Pathway to V/Line Cup:
Participation in the Barwon Region Showcase will be one of the evaluation opportunities for selection in the 2025 V/Line Cup squads. However, Showcase participation is not a prerequisite for selection. Final squads will be based on a combination of school and community football performance, and club feedback.

Registration Fee:
A $30 player registration fee applies, with full fee subsidies available in certain circumstances.

Player Nomination Form

Club Nomination Form

Coach Expression of Interest Form

Resource Links

• 2025 Junior Footy Match Guide
• Non-Appointed Umpire Match Report
• Non-Competitive - Umpire Match Report
• PlayHQ - Team Manager Matchday Guide
• Local PPS BY LAWS
• E-Scoring via PlayHQ Apps
• On-Field Vests & Apparel (loco)
• Football Order Form

Netball

Netball Victoria

• Mandatory Child Safety Requirements – ACTION REQUIRED

  All netball Associations, Leagues and Clubs to MUST appoint a Child Safety Officer (CSO) and Complaints Manager. These appointments are a mandatory requirement under the Netball Affiliation Policy. 

  What is this about? 

  Each netball Association, League and club is required to appoint and record a Child Safety Officer (CSO) and Complaints Manager in Netball Connect by the 30th of June. This role is dedicated to supporting child safety and wellbeing at all levels of participation. The Complaints Mangers role is designed to support the management of complaints in accordance with Netball Victorias Policy Framework for Dispute Resolution. 

  The CSO will: 

  • Act as the first point of contact for any child safety concerns or reports, 
  • Support the implementation of our child safeguarding policies and procedures, 
  • Help embed a culture of child safety in accordance with the Child Safety Standards in their netball community. 
  • Lead/Assist the Child Safety review and action plan. 

  The Complaints Manager will: 

  • Receive complaints and act as the first point of contact for individuals wishing to raise a concern or complaint. 
  • Advise complainants on their rights, processes, and possible resolutions. 
  • Offer support and explain the complaint procedure clearly and fairly to all parties. 
  • Where appropriate, facilitate informal resolution or mediation between parties. 
  • Work toward timely and fair resolution of disputes. 
  • Maintain confidential and accurate records of all complaints and actions taken. 

  Why is this important? 

  As a sport that involves thousands of young players, coaches, and volunteers, netball must be proactive in protecting children from harm. By appointing a CSO and Complaint Manager, you will: 

  • Ensure compliance with national and state-based child protection laws, 
  • Promote a safe environment for junior players to thrive, 
  • Demonstrate leadership and accountability in child safeguarding within netball. 

  How do you implement this? 

  1. Nominate a CSO & Complaint Manager - Identify a suitable individual within your Association, League or Club—ideally someone with experience working with young people and a strong understanding of the Child Safe Standards. This could be an existing committee member, coach, or volunteer. The teachers, police officers, childcare workers etc in your community are excellent candidates for this role. Complaint Manger candidates may include police officers, social workers and social service workers. 
  2. Enter CSO & Complaint Manger in Netball Connect - It is a mandatory requirement that Child Safety Officers and Complaint Managers are nominated and
     recorded in Netball Connect. Click the link for the process - Our Organisation - Contacts 
  3. Complete Required Training - Appointed CSOs are required to complete the Vicsport Child Safety in Sport online training modules as part of their induction. The training is a free and interactive way to understand and comply with the 11 Victorian Child Safe Standards. Featuring one module per Standard, users are able to delve into the content while working through practical, sport-based strategies and scenarios to help with their
     understanding. The modules feature the ability to save as you go, meaning you can work through the program at your own pace. Click Here to access the training. Complaints Mangers will have dedicated netball online training modules in July which will be communicated, 
  4. Stay Connected - CSOs and Complaint Managers will be part of a network who receive regular updates, resources, and support through the likes of monthly online training sessions and collaboration in the Engage NV platform. This will help ensure consistency and confidence in creating child safe cultures in our netball communities and managing complaints. 
  5. Next Steps - Please submit the name and contact details of your appointed CSO and Complaints Manager by June 30,2025 via Netball Connect. Dedicated training and support details will be communicated and commence in July. 

  We thank you in advance for taking this essential step to ensure netball remains a safe, inclusive, and trusted sport for all young participants.  

  For questions or support during the process, contact the Member Services Team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• Country Football and Netball Program Applications

  Applications for the 2025 Country Football and Netball Program are now open 

  The Country Football and Netball Program helps upgrade and improve regional and outer metro football and netball clubs and associations.  
  Grants of up to $250,000 are available to deliver infrastructure projects that include the redevelopment and construction of courts, installation of lighting, and construction of new and redevelopment of existing pavilions, including genderneutral change rooms. 

  If your club, association or league is interested in facility enhancements through this program you should reach out to your local Council representatives or Netball Victoria’s facilities team. Noting that all applications must be submitted via a local government authority. 

  The 2025 Country Football and Netball Program applications close on 7 July 2025. 

  More information 

• Reminder to update details in Netball Connect 

  Please update all details in Netball Connect under User > Administrators > Our Organisation. 

  Most importantly, please ensure all committee members are listed as a contact, even if they do not use Netball Connect in an administrative capacity. You can select 'No Admin Access'. Please also ensure all contacts have at least one role listed. 

BFNL & GFNL Netball

• June Netball Meeting/Workshop – Postponed

  The next Netball Meeting/Workshop following March’s catch up was originally tabled for June. This meeting will be postponed to sometime in July, with the date to be communicated in due course via email to clubs.

  Thanks for your understanding.

• Seeking club to host development coaching session

  AFL Barwon are seeking support from a club within our region to host the practical component of the Development Coaching Course in approximately 6-8 weeks 

  The course runs for approximately 4-5 hours, and requires the use of courts and a meeting space with TV/projector.  

  CHECK LIST: 

  • Organise venue – meeting room (TV and audio-visual equipment required) and netball court (indoor court is preferred). Ensure sufficient seating is available. 

  • Organise and confirm players for practical session. (14 to 18 players) – AFLB can support 

  • Contact Coach Developer prior to workshop day. – AFLB can support 

  • Ensure basic first aid kit is available. 

  • Organise equipment (balls, bibs and cones). 

  • Organise whiteboard & markers 

  • Mark participant attendance on Registration Sheet. Check all required information is completed. 

  • Ensure course material provided by Netball Victoria is distributed at the course. 

  • Forward completed Registration Sheet and any additional manuals to Netball Victoria’s Workforce Department within 7 days after the course using the reply-paid envelope supplied. 

   If your club has someone who needs/wants to undertake the course, or you’d just be happy to help out for the day, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

• Live scoring

   Live scoring has been completed really well this season, so a huge thanks to you all for your buy in.

  If you’re ever having trouble with e-scoring, some trouble shooting steps include:

  • Ensuring you’re using the correct scoring link
  • Logging out and back in
  • Clearing your browser cache
  • Ensuring the person trying to score has been granted access via the admin portal.

  E-scoring instructions can be found via the Match Day Operations Manual

  Keep up the great work. 

• VEO – Live stream Update

  Thank you to all clubs for your understanding while one of the VEO cameras underwent repairs. The camera has been returned and will be back in action this weekend. Live stream game details can be found at the beginning of the Barwon Bulletin. Please continue to take care while using these devices, and let us know if you have any issues.

• “Best Players” & Score Entry Reminders – ATT Team Managers and Coaches

  Best Players - We have noticed that there are a few matches coming in without ‘best players’ on PlayHQ being selected. 

  Please ensure that at the conclusion of all games, you are advising the home club of your best players for media purposes (those entered on PlayHQ). These are printed in the papers, and many players do go online to see these records. 

  This can be communicated via alternate slips of paper, as 3-2-1 on the scoresheet, or team managers/club admins can actually enter this themselves within 24 hours of the game concluding on their relevant PlayHQ portal (even if the away club). 

  A Grade Player Positions – Please ensure when entering the results that player positions are entered for ALL A GRADE GAMES. 

  **Please note that next week, the option to enter positions for B Grade during score entry will appear as PlayHQ are visiting and will be e-scoring some our games to gain a greater understanding of our needs as leagues within their software, meaning the setting will be on. This is not required for clubs. 

  Live scoring –Live scoring has been completed really well this season, so a huge thanks to you all for your buy in. 

  If you’re ever having trouble with e-scoring, some trouble shooting steps include: 

  • Ensuring you’re using the correct scoring link 

  • Logging out and back in 

  • Clearing your browser cache 

  Keep up the great work. J 

• 

  University of South Australia – Ankle Injury Study

  The University of South Australia is conducting on online research study into ankle injury. 

  Our aim is to better understand what might contribute to feelings of ankle instability in adolescents (12-19 years old*). This information will help us to create new treatments to reduce these feelings of instability and help promote return to activity. This study will require adolescents to complete an online survey, which will take around 30 minutes.  

  We are looking for adolescents who have sprained their ankle before, AND adolescents who have never sprained their ankle. 

  *If you are less than 16 years of age, please have a parent or guardian present while completing the survey. 

  Eligibility Requirements 

  We are looking for people worldwide who are: 

  • Age 12-19 

  • Proficient in written English 

  • No diagnosed connective tissue disorder (e.g. Ehlers Danlos Syndrome), arthropathy (e.g. Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis) or neurological disorder (e.g. Cerebral Palsy) 

  • No recent severe ankle injury requiring surgical intervention. 

  • No severe mobility impairment necessitating dependence on mobility aids (e.g., wheelchair, walking stick, wheeled frame walker) 

  Click here for more information.

  Click here to complete the survey. 

CDFNL Netball

Umpire Uniform Reminders

Please be reminded that for Colac & District SENIOR netball grades (A-D), umpires are not to wear leggings/tights. Permitted uniform options are outlined in the competition rules, being skirts or shorts (included below).

Any breaches to this will result in fines being issued by the CDFNL Board.

Junior Netball

• Representative Netball

  Barwon Junior Netball Championships  

  Barwon Junior Netball Championships has now concluded.

  ---

  Geelong Central Netball Association

  • 13&U Geelong FNL vs 13&U Bellarine FNL 7:00pm KP court 3
  • 15&U Geelong FNL vs Monarch Crystals 7:55pm KP court 1
  • 15&U Bellarine FNL vs Foxes 7:00pm KP court 5

  GCNA Fixture Here

  ---

  Association Championships

  Last weekend, the Bellarine FNL, Geelong FNL and Colac & District FNL 15&U and 17&U Representative Netball Teams competed at the Central West Association Championships. It was a fantastic day, with all teams displaying some very competitive netball against the other leagues and associations. Congratulations to coaches, players and parents for all their hard work on the day and in the lead up. Congratulations also to the 15&U Champ Bellarine FNL and 17&U Champ Geelong FNL teams for making it through to the semi-finals on the day!

  Results

• Midweek Netball Update

  Midweek Netball

  With grading finishing last week for our midweek teams, we are working hard at finalising divisions and completing the fixture for the remainder of the season. The Tuesday Round 6 (3rd June) fixture has now been released and the Friday Round 6 (7th June) fixture will be released by the end of the week.

  Clubs will receive an email once the full fixture has been finalised.

  ---

  Friday 20^th June

  A reminder that the Geelong Cats home game at GMHBA on Friday 20^th June means the Kardinia Park netball courts are not available. However, games will still be going ahead! We will be playing across 6-7 club venues for the night.

  This will also be the case for the Friday 8^th August.

Resource Links

• Netball Resources
• Match Day Operations Manual

Netball Umpiring

Respect Means More Than the Result

Respect the players.

Respect the umpires.

Respect the volunteers.

Respect the game.

That’s how we keep community football and netball strong

Club Development

Reminders

• 2025 Toyota AFL National Volunteer Awards

  Do you know an amazing community club volunteer? Nominate them for the 2025 National Volunteer Awards and recognise them for their incredible contribution and dedication each season. Category prizes include a money can’t buy 2025 Toyota Grand Final experience and keys to a brand-new Toyota. 

  Nominate Here

• AAMI Clangers

  Clangers for Good is back, and this year it isn’t just open to footy clubs, its for all AFL Fans. If you have a footy related clanger. AAMI wants to hear about it

  Enter Here

• 

  Toyota Good for Footy Raffle

  The Toyota Good for Footy Raffle is back for 2025! If a club has never engaged with the program, they can now register for free via the link below.

  Clubs who have previously registered are automatically re-registered and can start fundraising Immediately.

  Register here

• 

  Bunnings Legend of the Tongs 

  A nation-wide search to find, recognise, and reward local community legends who fire up the BBQ every weekend, serving up snags in bread to raise much-needed funds for their clubs.  for more information. 

  Nominations are open now! Closing: 24 August 2025. 

  Register here

• 

  PILA Goal Post Subsidy Program

  The 2025 PILA Goal Post Subsidy Program is now open for all AFL Victoria affiliated clubs.

  Subsidy will provide up to $1000 towards the cost of new posts for your ground.

  This program is open until 30 June, 2025

  Apply Here

• 

  Container Deposit Scheme

  Local football clubs across the state will be supported to raise funds and become more sustainable through a new partnership between AFL Victoria and Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic). CDS Vic provides the opportunity for Victorians to return eligible drink containers for a 10-cent refund. 

  Apply Here

• 

  New Concussion Hub

  ‘If in doubt sit them out’ 

  The AFL has launched a new concussion hub. One centralised location where our community coaches, umpires, volunteers, players and parents can brush up on their concussion smarts. 

  Check out the more than 150 educational assets on the new hub 

  New Concussion hub

• 

  Club Health Checks

  We want to hear about your club!  

  AFL Barwon and AFL Victoria want to better understand your clubs’ structures,  

  challenges and priorities so we can better support, not only your club,but club volunteers across the state for 2025 and beyond.  

  The best ways to complete the survey are to:  

  1. Complete as a whole committee at your next committeemeeting; or 

  2. Get a few members of your committee to complete the surveyseparately in their own time. 

  No matter how the survey is completed, we appreciate your time and insight regarding your clubs’ structures, challenges, and priorities.    

  Club Health Check - Incentive CLOSING SOON

  Late breaking news! - NEW COMPETITION FOR ONE CLUB TO WIN $4K+

  Overall, we have had approximately 44% of clubs in Victoria respond to the 2025 Club Health Check.

  With a goal of 60%, a new opportunity for clubs who complete the Club Health Check has launched.

  Clubs who complete the survey before 11:59pm June 9 go in the draw to win a prize worth $4,100 ex GST ($2k cash + 12 footys)!

  N.B.: All responses submitted during the competition period (before 09/06/’25) go in the draw to win the prize, so all previous responses since late last year will be eligible. N.B.: Each club would only be entered once for one or more surveys complete.

  Complete Health Check

• City of Greater Geelong Sport and Recreation Census

  The 2025 City of Greater Geelong Sport and Recreation Census is now live and we would love to hear from your club. 

  The aim of the Sport and Recreations Census is to  

  • Understand the constraints on pavilions and reserves 

  • Identify gaps, opportunities and address challenges 

  • Understand sport and recreation trends 

  • Understand who, when and how our people are using council assets 

  • Obtain data to support our strategic planning for our future. 

  Complete Census

Submit Now

THE BARWON BULLETIN

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Bulletin Archive

Contact Us

Football Umpire Appointments

• 

  AFL Barwon Indigenous Round

  11th - 17th May

  Read more

• 

  Mental Health Round

  19th - 21st June

• 2025-2026 Volunteer Grants (Federal Government)

  Grants of $1,000 - $5,000 will be available to assist eligible not-for-profit clubs that rely on volunteers. 

  Grants can be used to purchase a range of items & activities as specified in the Grant Opportunity Guidelines.

  e.g. phone bills, tablets, AV equipment, internet costs, software, program costs addressing gender disadvantage, racism, wellbeing etc. ~ $66k per Federal electorate across the State. 

  Action: Clubs should contact their local Federal MP for more information on the application process and closing date.

  More info here:

  2025–26 Volunteer Grants Round

• 

  Governance & Volunteer Recruitment Online Workshop

  The City of Greater Geelong, in partnership with Leisure Networks, is hosting an online workshop to support local sports clubs.

  Join Leisure Networks as they guide clubs through practical strategies to help build strong governance and attract, support and retain volunteers.

  You’ll learn about:

  • Roles and responsibilities of effective club governance
  • How to recruit and keep volunteer engaged
  • Practical tools to support a sustainable club

  This workshop is designed to provide clubs with clear, practical ideas they can take away and apply straight away.

  Details:

  • Wednesday 13^th May 2026
  • 00pm-6.30pm
  • Online format

  Any enquiries can be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  Register Here

Senior Football

Football Umpiring

What is the White Card Policy?

The primary objective of the AFL Barwon White Card Policy is to ensure the well-being and safety of everyone involved in the game through the implementation of a structured approach to address unacceptable behaviour directed at umpires from the coaching box area.

At the heart of the policy lies a three-phase system designed to address instances of unacceptable behaviour promptly and effectively. This system provides field umpires with the necessary tools to intervene in real-time, with warnings (white cards) issued to offending coaches during the first two phases and escalating penalties for repeated infractions. The ultimate sanction, a red card resulting in ejection from the match, underscores the seriousness of any breaches of conduct.

Field umpires are empowered to implement the appropriate phase of the policy upon observing or hearing unacceptable behaviour from the coaching box area. Importantly, the process is characterised by clarity and decisiveness, with umpires instructed not to engage in conversation or debate during card issuance. By adhering to these procedures, AFL Barwon aims to maintain order and always uphold the integrity of the game.

Instances of white and red card issuance are recorded by timekeepers and documented in umpire match reports for further review if necessary. Cases involving breaches of the policy are subject to scrutiny by the Match Review Panel (MRP), ensuring that any disciplinary action taken is fair and consistent with the values of the organisation.

View White Card Policy Here

Resource Links

• On-Field Vests & Apparel (loco)
• Football Order Form

General Netball

• Netball Live Stream Schedule

  Please see the below link to the club live stream schedule for the 2026 season.

  Clubs are reminded that the cameras need to be picked up from the office each week by the home club.

  View here

• Netball Operations Intern - Work Experience Overview – AFL Barwon

  We are excited to welcome work experience participants into our team and provide a valuable learning and development experience. Our program is designed to give students or recent graduates real-world exposure to the operations of a dynamic organisation, hands-on opportunities to contribute, and the ability to explore different areas of our business.

  What We Offer

  As part of your time with us, you’ll gain hands-on experience working alongside a passionate and experienced team, allowing you to contribute meaningfully to our day-to-day operations. You’ll also gain insight into all areas of the business, including (but not limited to)

  • Operations and Administration
  • Events and Competitions
  • Community Engagement
  • Governance and Compliance

  Please click here for the position description and for more information.

• Teams with ‘No-photo’ Consent

  Please see below a list of teams that to date (April 28), contain players who do not consent to the use of photos. 

  This list does not mean you cannot take photos when playing these teams, but when completing the required photography form to gain consent, you must work with these clubs to identify the players who do not consent to their photo being captured/used, and honour the player’s consent status.

  You can find the photography permission form on the Netball Resources page, or linked HERE.

  Teams with ‘No-photo’ Consent List

• Best Players & E-scoring

  A reminder to all BFNL and GFNL contacts that it is a requirement that ALL A GRADE MATCHES are live scored. We have seen that there were a number of games over the weekend that were not live scored.

  A reminder that:

  • E-scoring admins can be granted access via the admin site
  • na.score.playhq.com is the correct URL – sometimes people end up on the cricket scoring site, which won’t work.
  • You create a pin each time you start a session – this can be the same or different for each week. You need to remember this pin to finalise the scoring session.

  This is in addition to the formal scoring process, which must still be undertaken and is the official documentation. 

  Best Players

  A number of clubs across ALL grades have not been selecting their best players. This is a requirement for our media partners, and as such require all teams to complete this step.

  On our updated position tracking templates, there is room for this at the bottom of the page. Please ensure you are recording this and entering on PlayHQ

• Resources

  In addition to the above key items, there are several resources available via the AFL Barwon Netball Resources page that may be helpful for you. Please ensure you review these if there is anything you are unclear about, or keep them printed by the scorebench.

  • Scorers and Timekeepers Information
  • Match Day Operations Manual
  • Game/Match Management Log

  Please visithttps://aflbarwon.com.au/netball-resources for all information.

• Netball Connect Checks

  Registration cross checking between PlayHQ and Netball Connect will be sent out to clubs next week. Please ensure you are registering your players across both platforms.

  Penalties as outlined in the AFL Barwon by-laws may apply.

Junior / Midweek Netball

• Midweek Netball Information

  Our midweek competition has commenced!

  The venues we will be using for our midweek competition can be found below:

  • Kardinia Park (Tuesday and Friday)
  • Shell Road Reserve (Tuesday and Friday)
  • Grinter Reserve (Friday)
  • Richmond Oval (East Geelong FNC- Tuesday)
  • Lara Recreation Reserve (Friday)
  • Leopold Memorial Reserve (Tuesday)

   The first two weeks of the grading fixture have been released and are available on the PlayHQ public website.

  These fixtures have been developed based on the proposed grades submitted by each club during the team entry process.

  Grading will take place for four weeks and fixtures will be created and released accordingly with clubs notified when new fixtures are available.

  A reminder to all participants that as per AFL Barwon’s bylaws and competition rules that all players must be registered before taking the court.

• Scoring Resources

  Please see below an example scoresheet and position tracking document that may support your volunteers ahead of their scoring duties

  Examples here

Netball Umpiring

• Netball Game Management Education Sessions – Action Required

  AFL Barwon will be delivering an education session on a collaborative approach to the delivery and process of game management that incorporates input from both coaches and umpires to support the game. This session will be presented by Umpires/Umpire Coaches within the high performance pathway.

  We are excited to deliver these sessions broadly for a second year in a row. 
  
  UMPIRES
  Tuesday 5 May, 6:15pm - Kardinia Park Netball Complex.
  Aim at badged individuals umpiring 17&U Div1 and above grades.
  Clubs are expected to have 2 people attend.
  
  COACHES
  Tuesday 12 May, 6:15pm - AFL Barwon Highton Reserve.
  Aim at individuals coaching 17&U Div1 and above grades.
  Clubs are expected to have 2 people attend.
  
  Please complete a separate form for each person attending.

  Register here

• Club Umpire Coordinators Reminder – Weekly Rosters

  Reminder to send through your umpire rosters weekly to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. assist in providing mentoring opportunities for your club umpires. 

• 

  If they’re wearing green, they’re Under 18!!

  Please be reminded of the statewide ‘If they’re wearing green, they’re under 18’ umpiring initiative! 

  Our underage umpires will be out in force with both leagues commencing this weekend, and whileNO umpire deserves to be abused ordisrespected– there is absolutely no place in our competitions for disrespect of our underage umpires. 

  Don’t be a by-stander if this occurs – please stand up and support our umpires, and advise AFL Barwon of any instances whereby this occurs. 

  If you club needs additional wristbands please reach out toThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Resource Links

• Netball Resources
• 2026 AFL Barwon Pre-season Handbook

• Women & Girls Community Football Charter – AFL Vic

  AFL Barwon is committed to ensuring community football environments are welcoming, safe, and inclusive for women & girls.

  Female football participation across the region is entering an exciting growth phase, with new opportunities emerging for clubs supporting women and girls. The Women and Girls Community Football Charter encourages clubs, leagues, and umpire groups to create inclusive, safe, and welcoming environments, guided by four principles: opportunity, visibility, access, and investment.

  Clubs can easily become signatories by submitting an expression of interest and completing a short action plan with support from the state body. Benefits include access to grants, ongoing updates, recognition, and promotional resources. As momentum builds, embracing women and girls in football is strengthening club culture and fostering a unified “one club” environment.

  Further information and to register your clubs EOI found here

• Football Coach Developers – AFL Vic

  AFL Victoria provides a free Coach Developer network to support community clubs with mentoring, training session observation, and tailored education focusing on player-centred environments. These developers work directly with local coaches, particularly in junior football, to improve training structures and game-day coaching behaviours, AFL Barwon have assigned local AFL Victoria coach developers who are more than happy to provide coach education at your club. Enquires can be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  Check out these handy coaching resources packed full of videos to support coaches in our region

  Read More

• Benefits of AFL Victoria affiliation

  AFL Victoria operates to oversees 115 leagues and 1,942 clubs, acting as the peak governing body for community football in Victoria. It governs affiliations for regional leagues, metropolitan leagues, and VFL/VFLW competitions, enforcing regulations regarding club transfers, player eligibility, and community club sustainability. Please find details around the benefits associated with being an AFL Victoria affiliated club and an AFL Victoria organisational chart.

  AFL Victoria affiliated club benefits

  AFL Victoria Org chart

• 

  Bunnings Legend of the Tongs

  Bunnings Legend of the Tongs is back for 2026! Clubs can nominate their legends for the chance to win weekly prize packs. Plus, a chance to win a trip for two to attend the AFL Footy Festival & 2026 Toyota AFL Grand Final, and an additional $25,000 in Bunnings products & materials for the club. 

  Competition closes: 16 August 2026.

  Click here for more information and to nominate

• 

  AAMI: Clangers for Good AAMI Clangers for Good is back for 2026!

  Packed flippers instead of your footy boots? Clangers happen! Clangers could win someone or their club a share in $250,000. Simply tell AAMI how they can help. This is their biggest prize pool ever and is available to local clubs and footy fans.

  Click here for more information including T&C’ s.

• 

  Toyota Good for Footy Raffle

  The Toyota Good for Footy Raffle is back for 2026! Starting Friday 10 April and running through to Monday 21 of September. zero-cost, hassle-free fundraising, 100% of the proceeds go directly back into your clubs. Last year Toyota helped raise an incredible $1,173,270 for 837 clubs nationwide. A club in the Northern FNL has already raised $6,125.00 12 days since the raffle opened! Major prizes include Toyota vehicles, unforgettable footy experiences, and more! 

  For those clubs that want to sharpen up strategies on raising money for the Toyota Good for Footy Raffle, an online masterclass is being held on Monday 4th May 7pm-8pm to support your club.

  Please follow the link below to register.

  Masterclass Registration link

  Promotional Assets Here

  Click here for more information

• AFL Vic Sit down to coach round

  AFL Victoria are pleased to confirm the dates for the proposed Sit Down to Coach Round across Victoria.

  As we look to tackle the challenges of Coach Behaviour on Match Day and help create better environments for all participants in our sport, players, umpires, volunteers and spectators, Sit Down Round will be hosted across Victoria for the first time on Saturday 16 May and Sunday 17 May. 

  On this weekend, Coaches and additional people in the coaches box (i.e. Runners, Trainers and Assistant Coaches) will be asked to sit down to coach. This comes off the back of incredible success in South Australia through the SANFL Junior competition where they have seen much improved results in umpire ratings of coaches behaviour on match day, reducing the ‘poor ratings’ (1 or 2 out of 5) from 165 in season 2023 before Sit Down Round was introduced to now 45 poor ratings in 2025 when Sit Down round was implemented every week throughout their season 

  Any club (playing a home game that round) wishing to champion this great initiative, please reach out to AFL Barwon Club Development Lead – Tim Secombe – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

THE BARWON BULLETIN

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2025 Handbook

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• General
• Football
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General Updates

New Updates

• AFLB TV Live Stream Schedule

  GFNL

  Senior Football

  10/5/25 - St Mary's vs Grovedale

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  BFNL

  Senior Football 

  10/5/25 - Queenscliff vs Geelong Amateur

  A Grade Netball

  10/5/25 - Anglesea vs Portarlington

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  CDFNL

  Senior Football

  10/5/25 - Apollo Bay vs Colac Imperials

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  VIEW FULL SCHEDULE

  VISIT AFLB TV

• 

  Respect Means More Than The Result

  Download a Canva template via the button below to promote respect at your club!

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  At AFL Barwon, we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for everyone involved in our game — players, coaches, umpires, volunteers, and supporters alike.

  Whether you're on the field, on the sidelines, or supporting from afar, your words and actions matter.

  ✅ Support in an positive way
  ✅ Encourage fair play and sportsmanship
  ✅ Respect our umpires and volunteers — the game doesn't run without them
  ✅ Be kind online — what you say behind a screen still has real impact

  Let’s lead by example and make sure footy and netball remain spaces where our whole community can thrive.

  If you see or experience behaviour that doesn’t align with these values, report it to your club. If there are still concerns beyond this, please don't hesitate to reach out to AFL Barwon for support. 

  Respect the game. Respect each other. Respect yourself.

  Social Media Template

• 

  Indigenous Round Club Info & Toolkit

  Indigenous Round will be held 19-25th of May, highlighting the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to the games of football and netball. The round celebrates the relationship between local sports and Indigenous Australia by connecting football and netball players and spectators to Indigenous culture.

  Download the Toolkit below to understand how your club can get involved, as well as what AFL Barwon is doing to celebrate the round. 

  Download Toolkit

• 

  Save The Date - Female Festival of Sport Breakfast

  The 2025 Female Festival of Sport Week will be held from the June 30th - July 6th, with the annual Breakfast event held on the 4th of July. 

  Details of breakfast:

  • Date - Friday July 4th
  • Location - Geelong West Town Hall
  • Time - 6:45am Arrival, 7:00am Start
  • Host - Madi Browne
  • Panellists - Coming soon

  Tickets will be released on June 2. 

• 

  Game Development Officer Job Opportunity (AFL Victoria)

  View Job

Reminders

Local Scoreboards

• GFNL Scoreboard
• BFNL Scoreboard

Times Footy

• Regional Scores
• Regional Teams

Commercial Partnerships

New Updates

• 

  Geelong Cats - Mother's Day Offer

  Get ready to see the Geelong Cats take on GWS Giants at GMHBA Stadium on Sunday 11 May! 

  Secure your seats with this 25% off Joel Selwood Stand seats offer to AFL Barwon 

  Buy Tickets

• Times News Group Offer

  AFL Barwon Clubs Offer to Feature in Times News Group Publications 

  AFL Barwon is excited to announce a new initiative with valued partner Times News Group, which will see all Geelong FNL and Bellarine FNL clubs receive dedicated editorial space in their local Times News Group publication. 

  As part of this partnership, each club will be provided with a half-page editorial opportunity across the 2025 season. This space offers a fantastic platform for clubs to showcase achievements, promote upcoming events, and share important community updates with a broad and engaged local readership. 

  With content appearing in the regionally aligned editions of the Times News Group – such as the Geelong Times, Surf Coast Times, Bellarine Times, and Golden Plains Times – the initiative ensures clubs can directly reach their local supporters and broader community networks. 

  To take up this offer throughout the season, please email AFL Barwon Commercial Partnerships Manager,Sean Atkinson for further details. 

• City of Greater Geelong X Leisure Networks Workshop

  Please come along to the upcoming COGG x LN workshop on Fair Access aiming to build the capacity and capabilities of sporting clubs and associated stakeholders.  

  tickets

• 

  The Great Ocean Road Running Festival

  The Great Ocean Road Running Festival, presented by Melrose is only one month away!  

  The Ultra Marathon, Melrose Great Ocean Road Marathon and Brooks Half Marathon are already SOLD OUT. There are still opportunities to run our remaining distances, pick from the High Sierra 12KM Trail Run, Srilankan Airlines 6KM Run, Goodness Me 1.5KM Kids Gallop or the Great Ocean Road Walk!  

  Lock in your registration and join us on the 17th - 18th May on the Great Ocean Road! 

Football

Senior Football

• Selected Team Entry Reminder

  Selected Team Entry Reminder - Senior Men’s and Women’s Division 1 Football

  A reminder to all clubs that selected teams for Senior Men’s and Senior Women’s Division 1 football must be entered into the PlayHQ database by 7:00pm each Thursday night.

  Clubs are required to include:

  • Playing positions for 18 starting players
  • 4 interchange players
  • Up to 3 emergencies

  Accurate and timely team submissions help enhance coverage and visibility across our media partners and provide greater exposure for your players and club.

• Under 18 Male Update

  Please note that some necessary adjustments have been made to the Under 18 Round 3 fixture. These changes are part of the grading process, which is essential for AFL Barwon to gather accurate data and make informed decisions regarding post-grading divisions.

  As a result, further updates will be made to the Round 4 fixture, with changes to be finalised by 5pm on Monday.

  Additionally, we have been advised that Bell Park and St Joseph’s 2 will be merging their Under 18 teams.

  If you have any questions regarding these updates, please contact Sean at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Junior Football

Highton All Girls Auskick & Superkick

Resource Links

• 2025 Junior Footy Match Guide
• Non-Appointed Umpire Match Report
• Non-Competitive - Umpire Match Report
• PlayHQ - Team Manager Matchday Guide
• Local PPS BY LAWS
• E-Scoring via PlayHQ Apps
• On-Field Vests & Apparel (loco)
• Football Order Form

Netball

Netball Victoria

• Country Football and Netball Program Applications

  Applications for the 2025 Country Football and Netball Program are now open 

  The Country Football and Netball Program helps upgrade and improve regional and outer metro football and netball clubs and associations.  
  Grants of up to $250,000 are available to deliver infrastructure projects that include the redevelopment and construction of courts, installation of lighting, and construction of new and redevelopment of existing pavilions, including genderneutral change rooms. 

  If your club, association or league is interested in facility enhancements through this program you should reach out to your local Council representatives or Netball Victoria’s facilities team. Noting that all applications must be submitted via a local government authority. 

  The 2025 Country Football and Netball Program applications close on 7 July 2025. 

  More information 

• Reminder to update details in Netball Connect 

  Please update all details in Netball Connect under User > Administrators > Our Organisation. 

  Most importantly, please ensure all committee members are listed as a contact, even if they do not use Netball Connect in an administrative capacity. You can select 'No Admin Access'. Please also ensure all contacts have at least one role listed. 

Junior Netball

• Representative Netball Fixtures – Monday 12th May 

  Barwon Junior Netball Championships (FINALS Round 1) 

  • 13&U (5:20pm): Geelong Central NA v Colac & District FNL; Bellarine FNL v Geelong FNL 

  • 15&U (6:35pm): Bellarine FNL v Geelong Central NA; Geelong FNL v Colac & District FNL 

  • 17&U (7:50pm): Geelong FNL v Bellarine FNL; Geelong Central NA v Colac & District FNL 

  BJNC Fixture Here 

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  Geelong Central Netball Association 

  • 13&U Geelong FNL vs The Randos @ 7pm, Kardinia Park court 3 

  • 13&U Bellarine FNL vs CC Eagles Red @ 7pm, Kardinia Park court 1 

  • 15&U Geelong FNL vs Southern Star Diamonds @ 7:55pm, Kardinia Park court 1 

  • 15&U Bellarine FNL vs GCNA Turquoise @ 7pm, Kardinia Park court 4 

  GCNA Fixture Here 

• Midweek Netball Update

   Thank you to everyone for a fantastic first round of Junior Midweek Netball! 

  See below some important reminders which were sent to clubs earlier this week. 

  Fixture Round 3:The fixture for Tuesday Round 3 (13th May) has now been released on PlayHQ. The Friday Round 3 fixture will be released later today. 

  Earrings:Please be reminded that earrings are not permitted to be worn or taped within AFL Barwon Competitions. 

  Please see the relevant competition rule included below: 

  • Umpires shall ensure that players: 
    • Are wearing no jewellery, earrings, or piercings. No taping of piercings allowed
    • NOTE – wedding ring or medical alert bracelet may be taped. 

  Umpires should ensure that players are checked pre-game, and any player with taping or earrings in will not be permitted to take the court. Please remove all jewellery prior to umpires conducting their checks.  

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  Selecting Team Line Up:All teams must have a team line-up selected each week for names to be printed on the scoresheet. This must be completedno later than 10am game day(ideally the night beforehand). 

  Teams are asked to check that all players are listed on both the scoresheet and position tracking sheet prior to the game starting. If handwriting a name on the scoresheet (player must be registered), please ensure both first AND last name is recorded in legible writing otherwise this player will not be added to the game line up when entering results. 

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  Scoresheets:See attached example scoresheets (Junior Only on Page 3-4) and key pointers below. 

  • Players must be listed on both the scoresheet and position tracking sheet prior to the game 

  • Scoresheet used for: 1st quarter starting line-up; goals/attempts allocated to GS or GA; centre passes; progressive score 

  • Goal attempts are only required for the 17&U age group  

  • Position tracking used for: 1st quarter starting line-up; all other position changes, including rolling substitutions and quarter break changes. 
  • Make sure to annotate when there is a goaler change on the scoresheet so goals can be assigned accurately 

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   League & Media Votes:Clubs can select players each game to be displayed as media votes on PlayHQ. Coaches can nominate media votes by writing 1, 2 or 3 (1 being best) next to the players’ names on the scoresheet, or clubs can enter this themselves through PlayHQ within 24hrs of the game concluding. 

  Umpires will complete B&F league votes after each Friday night game from Round 5 onwards (post-grading). Midweek umpires are not to be asked to complete club B&F votes. Our umpires have other duties to complete post-game before often going to umpire another game or play themselves. 

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  First Aid:Clubs are reminded that they are responsible for providing first aid kits for all teams. Ice packs are available with the Competition Coordinator at each venue. 

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  11&U Fixtures 

  All Abilities Fixture 

  Friday Night Fixture 

   

  Example Scoresheets

• Midweek Netball Venue Maps

  See attached the venue maps for each of our midweek netball venues this season. 

  View Maps

Resource Links

• Netball Resources
• Match Day Operations Manual
• Player Points & Salary Cap Documentation

Netball Umpiring

Club Development

New Updates

• 

  New Concussion Hub 

  New: Play.AFL Concussion Hub 

  ‘If in doubt sit them out’ 

  The AFL has launched a new concussion hub. One centralised location where our community coaches, umpires, volunteers, players and parents can brush up on their concussion smarts. 

  Action: Check out the more than 150 educational assets on the new hub https://play.afl/concussion 

• Webinar: Connecting Communities - Australian Sports Commission

  Webinar: Connecting Communities - Australian Sports Commission (ASC): May 12 @ 1-2pm 

  ASC is bringing together leaders from across sport to discuss their experiences in utilising sport volunteering to connect communities across the country. They will also share their insights on how National Volunteer Week provides a fantastic platform to enhance the experiences for our current and future volunteers in sport. 

  Get ideas on how you can get involved with National Volunteer Week celebrations.  

  Action:register to attend Register Here 

  Register Here

Reminders

• 

  Club Health Checks

  We want to hear about your club!  

  AFL Barwon and AFL Victoria want to better understand your clubs’ structures,  

  challenges and priorities so we can better support, not only your club,but club volunteers across the state for 2025 and beyond.  

  The best ways to complete the survey are to:  

  1. Complete as a whole committee at your next committeemeeting; or 

  2. Get a few members of your committee to complete the surveyseparately in their own time. 

  No matter how the survey is completed, we appreciate your time and insight regarding your clubs’ structures, challenges, and priorities.    

  Complete Health Check

• New Competition For One Club To Win $4K+

  Overall, we have had approximately 44% of clubs in Victoria respond to the 2025 Club Health Check.

  With a goal of 60%, a new opportunity for clubs who complete the Club Health Check has launched.

  Clubs who complete the survey before 11:59pm June 9 go in the draw to win a prize worth $4,100 ex GST ($2k cash + 12 footys)!

  N.B.: All responses submitted during the competition period (before 09/06/’25) go in the draw to win the prize, so all previous responses since late last year will be eligible. N.B.: Each club would only be entered once for one or more surveys complete.

• Webinar: Sport Integrity 101 for Community Club Volunteers

  In the lead up to National Volunteer Week 2025, this webinar by Sport Integrity Australia is designed to empower and educate community volunteers on the importance of integrity in sport. Clubs will gain insights into best practice for promoting fair play, safeguarding children, and strategies to tackle common volunteer challenges.

  Action: Register for the webinar and encourage other volunteers at your club to register as well.

  Register Here

• 

  Trainers Course Opportunity

  We have been approached with the opportunity for club trainers to complete their level 1 trainer’s course.

  The cost is $299 per person with the date TBC pending registrations.

  If you are interested, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

• 

  Mental Health 

  An increasing challenge clubs are facing is the support to community members for mental health and wellbeing. Those not familiar with the vast numbers of resources, programs, toolkits and guides make sure you check out theMental Health & Wellbeing Page on the AFL Help website. 

  Our Mental Health partners in Read the Play and Tackle your Feelings also provide wonderful programs and services for clubs too. More information can be found at our Mental Health Page on the AFL Barwon website.

  Visit Page

• 

  Container Deposit Scheme

  Local football clubs across the state will be supported to raise funds and become more sustainable through a new partnership between AFL Victoria and Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic). CDS Vic provides the opportunity for Victorians to return eligible drink containers for a 10-cent refund. 

  Apply Here

• 

  GRANT - Toyota Good for Footy Raffle

  The Toyota Good for Footy Raffle is back for 2025! If a club has never engaged with the program, they can now register for free via the link below.

  Clubs who have previously registered are automatically re-registered and can start fundraising Immediately.

  Register here

• 

  GRANT - Bunnings Legend of the Tongs 

  A nation-wide search to find, recognise, and reward local community legends who fire up the BBQ every weekend, serving up snags in bread to raise much-needed funds for their clubs.  for more information. 

  Nominations are open now! Closing: 24 August 2025. 

  Register here

• 

  GRANT - PILA Goal Post Subsidy Program

  The 2025 PILA Goal Post Subsidy Program is now open for all AFL Victoria affiliated clubs.

  Subsidy will provide up to $1000 towards the cost of new posts for your ground.

  This program is open until 30 June, 2025

  Apply Here

• 

  City of Greater Geelong Fair Access Workshop

  The City of Greater Geelong is excited to present a Fair Access Workshop.

   

  The introductory workshop will be led and delivered via partnership with Regional Sporting Assembly - Leisure Networks. The workshop aims to progressively build the capacity and capabilities of the sporting Clubs and associated stakeholders in identifying and eliminating systemic causes of gender inequality in policy, programs, communications, delivery and allocation of community sports and recreation infrastructure. 

   

  We welcome Clubs across the G21 region to learn how we can collectively and inclusively develop sustainable and equitable practices in a sport and recreation environment.

  Date: 14 May

  Time: 6.00pm

  Location: Online or in person at Wurriki Nyal 137-149 Mercer Street Geelong, VIC 3220

  Book Tickets

• City of Greater Geelong Sport and Recreation Census

  The 2025 City of Greater Geelong Sport and Recreation Census is now live and we would love to hear from your club. 

  The aim of the Sport and Recreations Census is to  

  • Understand the constraints on pavilions and reserves 

  • Identify gaps, opportunities and address challenges 

  • Understand sport and recreation trends 

  • Understand who, when and how our people are using council assets 

  • Obtain data to support our strategic planning for our future. 

  Complete Census

Club Noticeboard

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General Updates

• 2025 Fixture Requests

  Bellarine Football Netball League

  A form is currently open for BFNL Clubs to complete requests for the 2025 Fixture. The form was emailed to Senior Football and Netball contacts in the form of a link on Tuesday 12th November.

  Please refer to the email and complete any requests by COB Thursday 20th November. 

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  Geelong Football Netball League

  The AFL Barwon Operations team are working in the background to finalise communication regarding the GFNL 2025 fixture requests pending the AFL fixture release.

• 

  Player Registrations & Player Transfer Period

  Player Registrations commenced on the 1st of October allowing Clubs to register new or returning participants earlier should they wish to, noting that the decision on when to open these registrations remains at the discretion of your Club. 

  November Player Transfer Period will be reintroduced in 2024 allowing for Player Transfer Requests to be lodged between 1 November and 30 November. 

  ---

  Clubs setting up a registration form 

  Please ensure that you are making your registration form visible understanding some clubs will hide their registration form if you are, for example, at capacity or offering registration initially to previous participants before making it visible. 

  Rego fee set >$0.  

• Reminder to Submit Chart of Accounts 

  As a follow-up to the recent email, please remember to submit your club's completed Standard Chart of Accounts and 2024 Annual Report, including financials, within 14 days of your club’s Annual General Meeting. 

  These documents should be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as per AFL Barwon By Laws. If you’ve already sent these, thank you; if not, please ensure submission to avoid any penalties. 

Media Highlights

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  Modda unveils quartet of signings

  K Rock Football

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  Dowling returns home

  K Rock Football

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  Jaques takes out Falcons Best & Fairest

  K Rock Football

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  18 athletes receive VIS scholarships

  Netball Victoria

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  12-year-old fundraising for netballers in need

  Netball Victoria

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  shaping the next generation of umpires

  netball australia

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Football

Junior Age Groups 2025

Netball

• Representative Program - Selection Policy

  view policy

• Barwon Sports Academy

  view policy

• Representative Program - Last Chance For Players & Coaches

  Trial Registrations -LAST CHANCE! 

  Trial registrations are closing soon! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to trial for the AFL Barwon Representative Program! 

  As part of the Representative Program, teams will train and compete in a weekly competition as well as compete at Association Championships. More information on the program can be found on ourwebsite. 

   We will be hosting three trial dates on Sunday 10th, 17th and 24th November 2024. Times for each age group are as follows. 

  • 13&U: 8:30-10:15am 

  • 15&U: 10:15-12:00pm 

  • 17&U: 12:00-1:30pm 

  REGISTER HERE:https://forms.gle/o5AtrVDosBNfQFBHA  

  ---

  Coaching Applications -LAST CHANCE! 

  Coaching applications for the 2025 Representative Program are closing soon! With the aim of selecting more teams for next year, we have plenty of positions available!  

  The position description can be found on ourwebsite. 

  APPLY HERE:https://forms.gle/EmKf4mUQbCg3pxwr5  

  ---

  Selectors needed for trials 

  We are seeking selectors to assist with the AFL Barwon Representative Netball Trials on the 10th, 17th and 24th November. 

  Please send all expressions of interest toThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

Umpiring

Umpire Registrations

Umpire & Umpire Coach registrations for AFL Barwon are open!

If you are returning umpire you will need to login to your OfficialsHQ where you will be prompted to a create new AFLid or link your existing AFLiD to your OfficialsHQ account.

Once this step has been completed you will be able to login to your OfficialsHQ account and complete your 2025 registration and update your details.

New Umpires, you will need to register via the link below

register

Commercial Partnerships

• Performance Profiling With Falcons & Rookie Me 

  AFL Barwon, along with the Geelong Falcons are excited to invite you to take up a unique opportunity at the upcoming Geelong Region ‘Athlete Performance Profiling Event’ hosted by our Regional Partner, and verified testing body of the AFL, Rookie Me. 

  The event will be held at Geelong Grammar on Sat Dec 7th 2024, and is open to all Boys and Girls from our region born in years 2007 to 2012. 

  Spots are limited and your registration needs to be completed by the 2nd of December 2024 to ensure Rookie Me can set up and allocate time slots for the event accordingly. 

  Registration and payment can to be made through the following link:

  register

• 

  Sports House Memberships 

  Seeking more ways to collaborate and opportunities to innovate with like-minded people? 

  Seeking flexibility with no lock in contracts? 

  Seeking a centrally-located professional meeting space?   

  ---

  Kardinia Park Stadium Trust is thrilled to launch the new Sports House Memberships that are now available to the sport and recreation sector.   

  Designed with and for the sector, Sports House Memberships offer more than just an office space or meeting rooms; they provide a unique community.   

  Sports House membership is available to organisations involved in the development and administration of sport and recreation from grass roots participation to high performance. 

  Located at GMHBA Stadium Kardinia Park, Sports House offers open plan and office desks, three meeting rooms and break out space. 

  Members have the flexibility to move up or down the 4 Membership Levels on a monthly basis. 

  For more information please see below and visit Sports House online.   

  Sports House Online

• 

  The Athletes Foot 15% Off

  view store details

• 

  Loco Reversible Jumper Special

Club Development

• 

  Good Sports Awards 2024 

  Nominations for the Good Sports Awards 2024 are now open to all community sporting clubs who are part of the Good Sports program.  
   
  The Awards shine the spotlight on success, celebrate the volunteers who are the backbone of Good Sports clubs and provide clubs with the recognition they deserve for reducing harms from alcohol and drugs in their communities, and creating even healthier sporting environments.   
   
  There are cash prizes of up to $2000 for winning clubs!

  Find out more

• COGG Update - Submit A Proposal For Works

  Wanting to make changes to City-owned community assets?  Submit a proposal for works to enhance or upgrade one of our facilities. 
   
  Proposed works include anything that might potentially be fixed to an asset or ground, for example: sports lights, facility or pavilion, sporting infrastructure, turf management etc. 
   
  The proposal for works must be approved before the commencement of any project. 

  submit proposal

• Have your say in the 2024 Sport & Recreation Census

  Thanks to the many clubs under the COGG Local Government Authority (LGA) that took the opportunity to have your say around future facilities & recreational needs. 

  It is not to late to have your say with the census closing at 5pm 30th November.

  ---

  Why should you contribute?
  

  The City of Greater Geelong’s growing population and continued passion for sport means that it’s time to evaluate the use of our facilities and levels of participation in sport, to plan for our future recreational needs. 
    
  By completing the Sport and Recreation Census you’ll provide us with a clearer understanding of your club and its members. The results will inform us to better support your organisation and sport into the future. 
    
  Along with helping us understand sport and recreation trends, completing the census will assist in recognizing constraints on pavilions and reserves, understanding where gaps and opportunities exist, and identifying who, when and how people are using our facilities and reserves. 
    
  We thank you in anticipation of your support of growing Geelong’s reputation as an active, healthy, and engaged community by completing the survey. Please see our 2024 Sport and Recreation Census attached. 
  

  2024 COGG Sport & Recreation Census

• 

  Get Active Victoria Kids Voucher Program

  Eligible kids can receive up to $200 to cover the costs of memberships and registration fees for programs like local club footy, Auskick and Superkick.

  Read More

• 

  Container Deposit Scheme Fundraising Opportunities 

  Local club fundraising opportunity through new Container Deposit Scheme partnership 

  Local football clubs across the state will be supported to raise funds and become more sustainable through a new partnership between AFL Victoria and Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic). CDS Vic provides the opportunity for Victorians to return eligible drink containers for a 10-cent refund. 

  Read More

THE BARWON BULLETIN

• facebook
• instagram
• tiktok
• linkedin

• Bulletin Archive
• Contact US

General Updates

• BFNL, GFNL & AFL Barwon Annual General Meetings

  Annual General Meeting

  The Bellarine Football Netball League, Geelong Football Netball League, and AFL Barwon Football Commission Limited Annual General Meeting’s will be held on Wednesday 27^th November at Buckleys Entertainment Centre.

  All AGMs will be held in-person, as per the event specifics below:

  Bellarine Football Netball League
  Date: Wednesday 27^th November 2024
  Time: 6:00pm
  Location: Buckleys Entertainment Centre

  Click here for the Agenda

  Geelong Football Netball League
  Date: Wednesday 27^th November 2024
  Time: 6:30pm
  Location: Buckleys Entertainment Centre 

  Click here for the Agenda

  AFL Barwon Commission
  Date: Wednesday 27^th November 2024
  Time: 7:00pm
  Location: Buckleys Entertainment Centre

  Click here for the Agenda 

  Apologies for either AGM are requested to be brought to the attention of the AFL Barwon Regional Manager, Edward Wilson (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) by 5:00pm, Tuesday 26^th November 2024.

  A digital copy of the Annual Report will be available to all attendees on Wednesday 27^th November for your perusal in-person.

• 2025 Geelong FNL Fixture Requests

  A Google link form is currently open for Geelong FNL Clubs to complete requests for the 2025 Fixture.

  The Google link form was emailed to Senior Football and Netball contacts on Thursday 14th November.

  Please refer to the email and complete any requests by COB Friday 22nd November. 

• 

  Finals Footballs for Sale

  ATT: AFLB Senior & Junior Football Managers & Coordinators

  We have used Footballs from the 2024 Finals Series that would be perfect for training balls, now available to be purchased.

  There are limited amounts of Size 4 and Size 5 leather footballs available for $50 each.

  Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further information or to make an order. 

Media Highlights

• 

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  K Rock Football

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  K Rock Football

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  Geelong netball signing tracker

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  PAVING THE WAY IN WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP

  AFL Victoria

  read more

Football

Netball

• By-Law and Competition Rule Feedback Due

  ATT: Netball Directors and Coordinators

  A reminder that feedback on the previously distributed proposed competition rule and by-law changes is due by COB TODAY (Thursday 21^st of November).

  Feedback must be sent toThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. in writing.

• Player Payment Compliance Checks

  ATT: Netball Directors, Coordinators, Treasurers

  With the due date for player payment reporting having passed, the operations team will now commence compliance checks on all submissions. This pertains to correct reporting, all contracts supplied, and correct amounts paid in line with contracts. 

  If any discrepancies are identified, you will be contacted to provide reasoning, or any missing information or documentation.

Umpiring

Umpiring Uniform Purchase

ATT: Club Umpire Coordinators and Umpires

I have had quite a few questions over the last few weeks about merchandise. Please see some information below! 

Umpire Jackets – LINK TO PURCHASE

The jackets will be available every order window 1-7th of each month from October – June of each year.

Next order window is Dec 1st – 7th

Umpire T-shirts – LINK TO PURCHASE

Stock for this item is held more regularly, so orders can be placed at any time.

Umpire Shorts and Skirts

Stock for this item is held more regularly, so orders can be placed at any time.

Purchase Here

Commercial Partnerships

• Buckleys AGM TONIGHT

  A reminder for all Clubs that Buckleys are holding thier Annual General Meeting tonight at 7pm in the Buckleys Auditorium.

  Sports House Online

• 

  Performance Profiling With Falcons & Rookie Me 

  register

• 

  Corio Bay Health Group Pre-Season Screening

  Book now

• 

  International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) Celebratory Breakfast

  Purchase tickets here

• 

  Surf Coast All Abilities Community Day

Club Development

• 

  Good Sports Awards 2024 

  Nominations for the Good Sports Awards 2024 are now open to all community sporting clubs who are part of the Good Sports program.  
   
  The Awards shine the spotlight on success, celebrate the volunteers who are the backbone of Good Sports clubs and provide clubs with the recognition they deserve for reducing harms from alcohol and drugs in their communities, and creating even healthier sporting environments.   
   
  There are cash prizes of up to $2000 for winning clubs!

  Find out more

• COGG Update - Submit A Proposal For Works

  Wanting to make changes to City-owned community assets?  Submit a proposal for works to enhance or upgrade one of our facilities. 
   
  Proposed works include anything that might potentially be fixed to an asset or ground, for example: sports lights, facility or pavilion, sporting infrastructure, turf management etc. 
   
  The proposal for works must be approved before the commencement of any project. 

  submit proposal

• Have your say in the 2024 Sport & Recreation Census

  Thanks to the many clubs under the COGG Local Government Authority (LGA) that took the opportunity to have your say around future facilities & recreational needs. 

  It is not to late to have your say with the census closing at 5pm 30th November.

  ---

  Why should you contribute?
  

  The City of Greater Geelong’s growing population and continued passion for sport means that it’s time to evaluate the use of our facilities and levels of participation in sport, to plan for our future recreational needs. 
    
  By completing the Sport and Recreation Census you’ll provide us with a clearer understanding of your club and its members. The results will inform us to better support your organisation and sport into the future. 
    
  Along with helping us understand sport and recreation trends, completing the census will assist in recognizing constraints on pavilions and reserves, understanding where gaps and opportunities exist, and identifying who, when and how people are using our facilities and reserves. 
    
  We thank you in anticipation of your support of growing Geelong’s reputation as an active, healthy, and engaged community by completing the survey. Please see our 2024 Sport and Recreation Census attached. 
  

  2024 COGG Sport & Recreation Census

• 

  Get Active Victoria Kids Voucher Program

  Eligible kids can receive up to $200 to cover the costs of memberships and registration fees for programs like local club footy, Auskick and Superkick.

  Read More

• 

  Container Deposit Scheme Fundraising Opportunities 

  Local club fundraising opportunity through new Container Deposit Scheme partnership 

  Local football clubs across the state will be supported to raise funds and become more sustainable through a new partnership between AFL Victoria and Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic). CDS Vic provides the opportunity for Victorians to return eligible drink containers for a 10-cent refund. 

  Read More

THE BARWON BULLETIN

• facebook
• instagram
• tiktok
• linkedin

• Bulletin Archive
• Contact US

General Updates

• View the AFL Barwon Annual Report

  Thanks to all those who were in attendance at the BFNL, GFNL & AFL Barwon Annual General Meetings that were held on Wednesday 27^th November at Buckleys Entertainment Centre.

  view annual report

• Reminder to Submit Chart of Accounts 

  As a follow-up to the recent email, please remember to submit your club's completed Standard Chart of Accounts and 2024 Annual Report, including financials, within 14 days of your club’s Annual General Meeting. 

  These documents should be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as per AFL Barwon By Laws. If you’ve already sent these, thank you; if not, please ensure submission to avoid any penalties. 

• 

  Player Registrations & Player Transfer Period

  Player Registrations commenced on the 1st of October allowing Clubs to register new or returning participants earlier should they wish to, noting that the decision on when to open these registrations remains at the discretion of your Club. 

  November Player Transfer Period will be reintroduced in 2024 allowing for Player Transfer Requests to be lodged between 1 November and 30 November. 

  ---

  Clubs setting up a registration form 

  Please ensure that you are making your registration form visible understanding some clubs will hide their registration form if you are, for example, at capacity or offering registration initially to previous participants before making it visible. 

  Rego fee set >$0.  

Media Highlights

• 

  River Stevens on new Roos draftee’s journey

  Geelong Advertiser

  Read More

• 

  Suns to enter BFNL Junior Netball teams in 2025

  AFL Barwon News

  Read More

• 

  Grovedale to host 2025 Netball indoors

  AFL Barwon News

  Read More

• 

  St Mary's star Harry Benson Departs

  K Rock Football

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• 

  Best 100 country netballers in 2024

  Geelong Advertiser

  read more

Football

AFL Nines Youth Competition (Free)

There is a great opportunity for players aged 13–17 to stay active and have some fun during the off-season in the AFL Barwon Geelong AFL Nines Youth Competition.

Please share this information with your players and families to encourage their participation. It’s a fantastic way to keep them connected with footy and having fun with their peers.  

---

What is AFL Nines? 
AFL Nines is a modified version of Australian Football that’s designed for fun, fitness, and inclusion. It’s non-contact, played with smaller teams, and perfect for players of all abilities. This competition offers a relaxed and social environment, ideal for young players to enjoy footy without the intensity of the regular season. 

---

Event Details: 

• When: Thursday 12th December 
• Time: 4:00pm - 8:00pm
• Location: Belmont Common
• Cost: FREE 
• Contact: Tim Downes, AFL Victoria – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Registration details: 

• Register a team: Click here to register your team 
• Register as an individual: Click here to register individually 

 

Netball

• 19&U Division 2 – Friday Night Winter 2025 

  ATT: Netball Directors and Coordinators 

  In season 2025, it has been determined that a 19&U Division 2 Competition be facilitated on Friday evenings, alongside our established 13&U, 15&U and 17&U Midweek Competitions.  

  Friday nights have been determined as the best option for the immediate future, when taking into consideration feedback received across the board. This will continue to be reviewed in line with competition growth in the coming seasons. 

  With many clubs currently completing trials, please be informed of this offering, and inform your members. 

• By-Law and Competition Rule Feedback

  ATT: Netball Directors, Coordinators, Treasurers 

  Thank you to all clubs who have provided feedback on the proposed competition rule and by-law changes. This information will now be collated and provided to the AFL Barwon Operations Sub-Committee for review and subsequent approval.  

  Outcomes will be communicated post this meeting as soon as reasonably possible. 

• Representative Trials Conclusion

  ATT: Club Coordinators and Junior Athletes 

  Over the last three weeks, we saw over 270 athletes at trials for the AFL Barwon Representative Program across Bellarine and Geelong Teams.  

  With both high attendance and quality, final selections have since been made, with all those who were successful having received offers earlier this week. 

  Unsuccessful emails have also been distributed. If you participated in the AFL Barwon Representative Program and are yet to hear, please reach out toThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

  We’d like to thank all athletes for their attendance over this period, and we hope to see you all back trialling next year. 

  An additional thank you to the selectors and umpires who supported the program over this time. 

• Netball Victoria: Green Wrist Band Umpiring Initiative 

  ATT: Netball Directors and Umpire Coordinators 

  Netball Victoria have recently piloted a ‘Netball Respect: Green Band Initiative’ program to address ongoing challenges faced by young umpires in the netball community. An initiative whereby umpires under the age of 18 are easily identifiable by wearing a green wristband while on court. 

  The aim of the program was designed to help create a safer, more supportive environment by ensuring players, coaches and spectators can easily identify umpires under the age of 18, many of whom are still learning their craft. 

  All umpires deserve respect and fair treatment, however it’s those under 18 that are particularly vulnerable and require added protection under the Child Safe Standards.  

  Netball Victoria and AFL Barwon remains committed to supporting our community to stamp out poor behaviour from spectators, players or coaches. 

  This is a mandatory program and will need to be adhered to for season 2025. More information around this is still to come.

  find out more

• Netball Victoria: Administration Information Required

  ATT: Netball Administrators

  Updated information is needed in Netball Connect.

  Keeping this information updated helps us maintain effective communication and better support your needs. If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to reach out. 

  Please take a moment to review your association/league/club's details in Netball Connect and complete the following: 

  1. Remove any personnel who are no longer involved with your organisation. 
  2. Specify the roles for all contacts listed to ensure clarity. 
  3. Verify that all contact details are correct and current.  

  You can do this in the Netball Connect User Module -> Administrators -> Our Organisation -> Contacts 

  Helpful resources: 

  https://netballvic.tawk.help/article/contacts 

  https://netballvic.tawk.help/article/adding-new-administrators 

Umpiring

• URGENT - Netball Umpiring: Spray Jacket Orders Open Dec 1

  ATT: Club Umpire Coordinators and Umpires 

  Spray Jacket ordering winder is opening this weekend! Get your oders in this side of Christmas to ensure they are ready for dispatch prior to the season commencing

  Umpire Jackets – CLICK HERE

  The jackets will be available every order window 1-7th of each month from October – June of each year. 

  Next order window is Dec 1st – 7th 

  ---

  Umpire T-Shirts

  Stock for this item is held more regularly, so orders can be placed at any time. 

  T-Shirts: Click here

  ---

   UmpireShorts & Skirts

  Stock for this item is held more regularly, so orders can be placed at any time. 

  Shorts: Click here 
  Skirts: Click here

   

• Football Umpiring: Practice Match Booking Form

  In recent weeks, the AFL communicated to all umpires and umpire coaches nationally the 2025 Umpire Education Module requirements. 

  The Umpire Education Module serves as an important aspect delivered by the AFL to provide continuous improvement and professional development to all umpire and umpire coaches across Australia.  

  Most notably, all umpires and umpire coaches will initially be marked as 'unavailable' for appointments within OfficialsHQ. Completion of the educational module via the AFL LMS will automatically update your availability status in OfficialsHQ to ‘available’, allowing you to be considered for match appointments. Umpires will only become eligible for match appointments upon finishing the education module. 

  We kindly request that you complete the Umpire Education Module as soon as possible to allow us to appoint you to matches once the season commences.   

  If you require support to complete the education module, a user guide with step-by-step instructions is available here. 

  If you have questions about the module content, please reach out to our team at AFL Barwon Umpiring (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or for technical assistance please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or you can watch the how-to videos. 

   

• Football Umpiring: Re-register & Win $50!

  Win 1 of 3, $50 VISA vouchers simply by re-registering (current umpires) or registering (new umpires) for 2025 and completing the 2025 Umpire Education Module in the AFL LMS by Monday December 16th 

  We will be conducting a lucky registration draw on December 18, 2024. Winners will be notified and if unable to collect from Highton Office by Friday 20th December will be posted to your registered address in OHQ. 

  ** To register, log into your OHQ account and you will be directed to create an AFL ID and link to your OHQ Account or if you already have an AFL ID account link it to your OHQ account. 

  This will give you a single sign in to all your AFL accounts and direct access to the LMS for all your umpire and coaching courses. 

• Football Umpiring: Key Dates 2025

  2025 Training Commencement: 

  • AFL Barwon Geelong Umpires – from 5.30pm, Monday 3rd Feb. 2025 at Kardinia Park, then each Monday and Wednesday excluding Public Holidays 
  • AFL Barwon Colac Umpires – from 5.45pm, Wednesday 5th Feb. 2025 at Lake Oval Colac, then each Wednesday excluding Public Holidays. 
  • Practice Matches – from late Feb. 2025 (all umpires must be registered and have completed 2025 Umpire Education Module to be appointed) 

   

  2025 Season Commencement: 

  • BFNL, GDFNL, CDFNL – Saturday 5th April (CDFNL stand alone games 29th March) 
  • GFNL, AFLBW Senior and U18W – Saturday 12th April
  • U18 Boys, AFLBJ U16/14 Boys/girls – Saturday 26th April 
  • AFLB All Abilities – Possibly 3rd or 10th May 

  Mid-season Break:

  • Monday 7th and Wednesday 9th July (leading into the General Bye and week 1 of GDFNL split round) - No AFL Barwon Umpire Training Colac and Geelong 

   All competitions (excluding GDFNL - Bye) play on Kings Birthday weekend. 

  All Senior Men’s and Women’s competitions and U18 female have 2 Bye weekends 

  CDFNL competitions have 3 bye weekends. 

  U18 Boys and Junior boys and Girl’s competitions have 1 Bye weekend (12th July) 

  There will be a much greater presence of Senior Female Football playing on Saturdays under the LGA’s Fair Access Policies, fixtures are yet to be determined at this time.